AMERICANA  GERMANIGA 

NEW  SERIES 

MONOGRAPHS  DEVOTED  TO  THE  COMPARATIVE 
STUDY  OF  THE 

Literary,  Linguistic  and  Other  Cultural  Relations 

OF 

Germany  and  America 


EDITOR 

MARION   DEXTER   LEARNED 

University  of  Pennsylvania 


AMERICANA  GERMANICA 

NEW  SERIES 

1.  Translations  of  German  Poetry  in  American 

Magazines  174.1-1810.  By  Edward  Ziegler 
Davis,  Ph.  D.  5  p.  1.,  229  pp.  Price  .  $1.65 

2.  The     Harmony    Society.        A     Chapter    in 

German  American  Culture  History.  By 
John  Archibald  Bole,  Ph.  D.  3  p.  1., 
176  pp.  30  Illustrations.  Price  .  .  .  .  $1.50 

3.  Friedrich  Schiller  in  America.     A  Contribu 

tion  to  the  Literature  of  the  Poet's 
Centenary,  1905.  By  Ellwood  Comly 
Parry,  Ph,  D.  i  p.  1.,  n6pp.  Price  .  $1.25 

4.  The    Influence    of  Salomon    Gessner    Upon 

English    Literature.      By    Bertha    Reed. 

T  D.  L,  118  pp.     Price $1.25 

5.  7  he  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadel 

phia  and  its   Colony,   Hermann,  Missouri. 
By  William  G.  Bek.  P.p.  xi,  182.    Price  .    $1.50 


im 


AMERICANA  GERMANICA 


THE  GERMAN  SETTLEMENT  SOCIETY 
OF  PHILADELPHIA 

AND  ITS  COLONY 


HERMANN,  MISSOURI 


WILLIAM  G.  BEK 

]\ 

Harrison  Fellow  in  Germanics,  University  of  Pennsylvania 


AMERICANA  GERMANICA  PRESS 

PHILADELPHIA 
1907 


COPYRIGHTED  BY  WILLIAM  G.  BEK 
1907 


-  / '  */J  j  .  •-' .  *  *.*•  ,    » ' » 

^  S»    .       >   O    '         ^        v 


TO    MY   SISTERS 

WHOSE  TENDER   LOVE  AND   KINDLY   INTEREST   IN   THIS  WORK 

HAVE   BEEN   A   CONSTANT   INSPIRATION 

THIS    BOOK   IS    DEDICATED 


PREFACE. 

Interest  in  this  subject  was  first  excited  in  the  writer  while 
he  was  preparing  a  paper  on  the  Germans  in  Missouri  for  the 
Germanic  Association  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  in  1903- 
1904.  Investigations  at  Hermann  uncovered  a  great  amount  of 
manuscript  matter  there  pertaining  to  the  Settlement  Society. 
Certain  missing  papers  were  later  found  in  the  Library  of  the 
German  Society  in  Philadelphia.  It  is  the  purpose  of  this  work 
to  give  as  complete  a  picture  of  this  rather  unique  undertaking 
of  certain  German  Americans  as  the  sources  now  extant  permit. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  account  the  author  has  made  use 
of  the  following  sources : 

1.  The  manuscript  records  of  the  society,  preserved  in  part 
at  Hermann,  Mo.,  and  in  part  at  Philadelphia. 

2.  Correspondences  between  the  officers  of  the  society  and 
its  agents. 

3.  Communications  concerning  the  society,  written  in  Ger 
many  and  America,  preserved  in  Alte  und  Neue  Welt,  the  official 
organ  of  the  society. 

4.  The  minutes  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Hermann, 
which  body  performed  the  functions  of  a  city  council  until  1905. 

5.  The  records  of  various  social  and  educational  organiza 
tions  at  Hermann  and  certain  data  published  in  the  Hermann 
newspapers. 

6.  Old  deeds  and  government  certificates. 

7.  Personal  observation  of  existing  conditions  in  and  around 
Hermann  during  years  of  residence  at  the  place  itself. 


vi  Preface. 

The  writer  wishes  to  express  his  gratitude  to  Professor 
M.  D.  Learned  for  the  encouragement  and  most  valuable  assist 
ance  rendered  by  him  in  this  work ;  to  Mr.  H.  A.  Rattermann,  of 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  for  indispensable  aids  from  his  private  library; 
to  Mr.  J.  C.  Danuser,  County  Surveyor  of  Gasconade  County, 
Mo.,  and  Mr.  E.  B.  Smith,  of  Drexel  Institute,  for  kind  assist 
ance  in  making  the  charts ;  to  the  town  officers  of  Hermann,  and 
to  Miss  Herzog,  of  the  German  Library  of  Philadelphia,  for  cour 
teous  treatment  extended  in  giving  free  use  of  the  Hermann 
manuscripts  in  their  respective  archives ;  to  my  many  kind  friends 
who  in  a  great  or  small  measure  have  promoted  the  progress  of 
this  work. 

WILLIAM  G.  BEK. 

Columbia,  Mo.,  June  21,  1906. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia  and  its  Colony, 
Hermann,  Missouri. 

Introduction  ix 

Chapter  I. — A  German  American  Settlement  Society: 

1.  Its  Organization I 

2.  Various  Opinions  Regarding  the  Society 21 

3.  Growth  of  the  Society  25 

4.  The  Founding  of  the  Colony  and  its  Early  Growth.  .  53 

5.  The  Separation  of  the  Colony  from    the    Parent 

Society 79 

Chapter  II. — The  Colony  Hermann: 

1.  General  View   120 

2.  Education 128 

3.  Government 145 

4.  Industries  at  Hermann 151 

5.  Religion,  Social  and  Literary  Life 157 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

The  Town  of  Hermann Frontispiece 

Shareholders'    Certificate 20 

Geo.  F.  Bayer— The  "General  Agent" 38 

Certificate  of  Purchase 40 

Chart  Showing  the  Colony's  Land 44 

Chart  Showing  Limits  of  Old  Hermann 46 

Hermann  During  the  Fifties 76 

Gasconade  County  Court  House 122 

Eitzen  Bust  in  Eitzen  Park 124 

School  House  at  Hermann 128 

An  Odd  Funeral  Announcement 140 

The  Old  Market  House 150 

A  Vineyard  near  Hermann 152 

A  Wine  Vault  at  Hermann 154 

The  Churches  at  Hermann 158 

Eduard    Muhl 160 

Der  Licht-Freund    162 

Concert  Hall   at   Hermann 164 

Hermanner   Volksblatt    166 

Concert   Program    168 


INTRODUCTION. 

Since  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century,  there  have 
been  mighty  stirrings  among  the  Germans  of  the  New  World. 
The  thoughtful  observer  will  ask  at  once,  Why  did  this  activity 
not  come  at  an  earlier  period?  Before  we  enter  into  the  treat 
ment  of  our  theme  proper,  which  deals  primarily  and  distinc 
tively  with  a  chapter  of  German  progress  on  this  continent,  it 
will  be  pardonable  to  give,  in  a  word,  a  few  facts  and  reasons 
in  answer  to  this  question  and  thus  furnish  a  setting,  a  back 
ground  for  our  story. 

It  is  true  that  as  early  as  October  16,  1683,  tne  "Concord," 
which  Dr.  Learned,  in  the  work  cited  below,  calls  "the  Pennsyl 
vania  German  'Mayflower'/'  landed  the  first  colonists  from  Ger 
many  on  our  shore.1  It  is  true  that  this  colony  found  sure  foot 
ing,  and  under  the  wise  leadership  of  the  renowned  pioneer  Franz 
Daniel  Pastorius,  soon  flourished  on  Pennsylvania  soil.  It  is 
true  that  thousands  of  Germans  followed  in  the  wake  of  the 
"Concord"  during  the  century  following  this  beginning.2  It  is 
estimated  that  in  the  year  1800  Pennsylvania  alone  contained 
150,000  Germans.3  It  is  true  that  from  these  colonies  there 
came  a  people  of  brain  and  brawn,  who  willingly  spoke  and 
fought,  lived  and  died  for  their  new  fatherland. 

But  still  the  query  remains,  Why  did  they  not  come  even 
earlier,  and  why  not  in  still  greater  numbers?  Why  were  these 
people,  who  always  yearn  for  the  blue  hills  of  the  far-away,  not 
in  the  van  of  the  bold  discoverers?  Why  did  they  not  vie  with 


1  cf.  The  Pennsylvania  German  Dialect,  p.  6,  M.  D.  Learned. 
'Ibid,  pp.  6-17. 

•Ibid,  p.  17. 

(ix) 


x  Introduction. 

other  Europeans  in  laying  claim  to  unknown  stretches  of  land? 
If  we  but  recall  the  conditions  prevailing  in  Germany  at  that 
time,  if  we  remember  the  conflict  between  Jesuit  and  Protestant 
fanaticism  in  the  sixteenth  century,  which  gradually  led  to  the 
gruesome  Thirty  Years'  War,  we  shall  know  the  answer  in  part. 
Moreover,  when  Germany  had,  in  a  measure,  recovered  from 
these  stunning  blows,  and  was  ready  to  play  her  role  on  this 
continent,  our  own  country  was  involved  in  its  War  of  Inde 
pendence.  Scarcely  had  our  war  come  to  a  successful  close,  when 
Germany  was  forced  to  face  the  dread  Corsican.  Wars  and  un 
settled  political,  social  and  religious  conditions  barred  a  large 
number  of  Germans,  therefore,  so  long  from  our  shores. 

The  Germans  who  had  come  early  to  this  country  and  had 
participated  in  our  Revolution  were  far  less  numerous  than  the 
representatives  of  some  of  the  other  European  nations.  When, 
for  reasons  above  enumerated,  immigration  from  Germany  was 
checked,  quite  naturally  amalgamation,  more  or  less  complete, 
took  place  with  the  nationalities  more  numerously  represented. 

The  ground  which  Germany  had  lost  in  the  eager  race  for 
American  possession  she  could  not  regain.  Nevertheless  numer 
ous  attempts  were  made  by  certain  of  her  princes  and  by  various 
societies  to  establish  German  colonies  here,  even  as  late  as  the 
middle  of  the  nineteenth  century.  Some  fostered  the  absurd 
hope  of  founding  a  German  state  within  the  limits  of  the  Union. 
Notable  among  these  was  the  Giessner  Gesellschaft,  organized 
in  1833  at  Giessen,  Hessen-Darmstadt,  by  Friedrich  Munch  and 
Paul  Follenius.  In  a  pamphlet  which  these  two  men  published, 
entitled:  "Aufforderung  und  Erkldrung  in  Betreff  einer  Atis- 
zvanderung  im  Grossen  aus  Deutschland  in  die  nordamerikani- 
schen  Freistaaten,"4  they  set  forth  the  purpose  of  the  society: 
"Die  Bildung  eines  deutschen  Staates,  der  natiirlich  ein  Glied  der 


'Gesammelte   Schriften    von    Fr.    Munch;"    Verlag    von    C.    Witter,    St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  1902,  page  99. 


Introduction.  xi 

Vereinigten  Staaten  werden  miisste,  doch  mit  Aufrechterhaltung 
einer  Staatsform,  welche  das  Fortbestehen  deutsoher  Gesittung, 
deutscher  Sprache  sichert  und  ein  achtes,  freies  und  volksthum- 
liches  Leben  schafft."5  Unfortunately  this  society  did  not  have 
an  opportunity  to  carry  out  its  well-wrought-out  plans.  Its  his 
tory  would  form  a  curious  chapter  in  the  annals  of  the  Germans 
in  America.  But  even  before  they  reached  the  land  of  their  choice 
beyond  the  Mississippi,  cholera  snatched  away  many  of  them, 
while  other  disasters  and  discontent  scattered  the  survivors,  and 
defeated  the  purpose  of  their  coming.  We  can  but  conjecture  as 
to  the  result  of  such  an  undertaking.  Its  plans  were  well  laid, 
and  that  its  leaders  were  high-minded,  trustworthy  and  capable 
men  is  indisputable.  The  names  of  Friedrich  Munch  and  Paul 
Follenius  will  always  sound  well  to  a  German  American. 

Many  other  societies  grew  up.  Some  had  less  lofty,  less 
visionary,  but  more  rational  motives.  Some  came  here  and,  for 
a  while,  existed,  more  or  less  successfully,  under  the  rigid  rules 
of  communism.  But  most  of  them  were  ill-fated.  The  time  had 
passed  when  isolated  nationalities  could  prosper  here.  The  Amer 
ican  people  had  become  too  cosmopolitan  in  character.  Such 
organizations  were  soon  swallowed  up  and  made  to  blend,  as 
well  as  might  be,  with  their  surroundings. 


B  Das  deutsche  Element  in  den  Ver.  Staaten  von  Nord-Amerika.     Gustav 
Korner.    Cincinnati,  1880.    Page  300. 


CHAPTER  I. 

A  GERMAN-AMERICAN  SETTLEMENT  SOCIETY. 
i.  ITS  ORGANIZATION. 

Only  three  years  after  the  organization  of  the  Giessner  Ge- 
sellschaft,  above  mentioned,  a  settlement  society  was  organized 
in  this  country,  which  for  loftiness  of  aspirations  and  soundness 
of  business  principles  stands  second  to  none.  It  had  its  home  in 
Philadelphia — the  cradle  of  the  German  colonization  in  America. 
If  such  a  society  could  be  made  successful,  it  was  but  fitting  that 
it  should  emanate  from  the  Pennsylvanians.  Its  founders  were 
not  of  the  old  stock  of  Germans  who  had  come  during  the  seven 
teenth  and  eighteenth  centuries.  They  were,  for  the  most  part, 
newcomers  who  still  believed  in  "Deutschland,  Deutschland  iiber 
alles."  The  "Deutsche  Gesellschaft"  had  existed  in  Philadelphia 
since  December  26,  1764.°  But  its  purpose  was  to  aid  and  pro 
tect  German  immigrants.  The  organization,  which  we  purpose 
to  deal  with,  had  nothing  whatsoever  to  do  with  the  "Deutsche 
Gesellschaft."  It  was  formally  organized  at  Philadelphia, 
August  27,  1836,  as  the  "Deutsche  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  zu 
Philadelphia."  Its  avowed  purpose  was  to  carry  out  those  plans 
which  the  foreign  societies  had  failed  to  promote,  namely,  the 
establishment  of  a  colony  in  some  portion  of  the  United  States, 
preferably  in  the  "Far  West,"  a  colony  which  should  be  charac 
teristically  German  in  every  particular.  The  promoters  were 
prompted  by  several  reasons.  They  were  enthusiastic  enough 
about  their  new  surroundings  and  appreciative  of  its  possibilities, 
but  they  missed  so  keenly  those  things  so  dear  to  the  native  Ger- 


'Das  deutsche  Element  in  den  Ver.  Staaten,  Korner,  p.  23. 


2  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

man.  They  believed  that  in  partial  isolation  they  could  enjoy 
both  the  advantages  of  America  and  the  pleasures  of  the  Father 
land.  Their  kinsmen,  whom  they  found  here,  they  saw 
strangely  changed,  very  much  Americanized,  and  the  language 
which  some  of  the  latter  spoke  was  almost  as  unintelligible  to  the 
newcomer  as  the  English  itself.  They  realized  that  in  their 
Americanized  kinsmen  they  saw  the  future  of  their  own  children, 
should  they  remain  in  the  same  environments.  To  avoid  this, 
and  to  find  homes  for  themselves,  at  moderate  cost,  as  well  as  to 
encourage  the  promotion  of  a  laudable  attempt  to  keep  alive 
things  German,  'they  resolved  upon  the  organization.  They  be 
lieved  that,  being  somewhat  familiar  with  American  laws,  cus 
toms  and  conditions,  they  could  accomplish  what  others  had 
failed  to  bring  about. 

The  first  written  account  obtainable  concerning  this  society 
is  recorded  in  an  old  German  newspaper,  Alte  itnd  Neue  Welt— 
published  in  Philadelphia — under  the  date  of  May  7,  1836.  This 
paper,  upon  resolution  of  the  board  of  managers  of  the  society, 
passed  September  28,  1836,  became  the  official  organ  of  the  soci 
ety,  and  its  statements  may  be  taken  as  authentic.  It  was  edited, 
during  the  period  that  concerns  us,  by  J.  G.  Wesselhoeft,  who 
was  entrusted  with  offices  of  honor  and  trust  by  the  society- 
secretary,  and  later  treasurer — and  of  whom  Gustav  Korner 
says :  "Sein  ganzes  Bestreben  war,  die  Deutschen  zu  einigen,  sie 
an  die  Erhaltung  ihrer  Muttersprache  zu  mahnen,  sie  politisch 
geachtet  und  stark  zu  machen."7 

The  paper  existed  from  1834  to  1843.  ^ts  editors,  after 
J.  G.  Wesselhoeft,  were  E.  L.  Walz,  Samuel  Ludvigh,  and 
Scheele  de  Vere  .8  No  history  of  the  subject  under  discussion 
can  be  complete  without  the  aid  of  this  paper ;  its  information  is 
positively  indispensable.  Furthermore  it  is  a  most  valuable  aid 


T  Gustav  Korner,  Das  deutsche  Element,  p.  36. 
'  Ibid,  p.  35. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri.  3 

in  a  study  of  German  progress  in  general  in  America  during  the 
decade  in  which  it  was  published.  Korner  comments  on  it  as 
follows  :9 

"Das  Erscheinen  der  Alt  en  und  Neuen  Welt  am  4.  Januar  1834, 
kann  als  der  Anfang  einer  neuen  Zeit  fur  die  Deutschen  in  den  Ver- 
einigten  Staaten  bezeichnet  werden.  Das  Blatt,  in  Royal  Format, 
schon  im  zweiten  Jahre  in  gross  Royal  Format,  war  auf  gutem 
weissen  Papier,  mit  vielfach  geschmackvollen  Lettern  gedruckt, 
und  enthielt  mehr  Lesestoff  in  seiner  Wochennummer,  als  die  zur 
selben  Zeit  in  Deutschland  erscheinenden  Tageblatter,  die  Augs- 
burger  Allgemeine  Zeitung  etwa  ausgenommen,  in  einer  Woche  ent- 
hielten." 

Wilhelm  Weber,  a  contemporary  of  Wesselhoeft,  editor  of 
the  Anzeiger  des  Westens,  of  St.  Louis,  has  this  to  say  of  the 
Alte  und  Neue  Welt : 

"Sie  unterstutzt  in  Amerika,  ohne  grossen  Unterschied  Alles, 
was  deutsch  heisst,  und  darf  sich  als  Patronin  vieler  deutscher  Un- 
ternehmungen  betrachten."10 

The  complete  file  of  this  valuable  old  paper,  Die  Alte  und 
Neue  Welt,  exists  now,  so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  ascertain, 
only  in  one  collection,  and  this  is  owned  by  the  well-known  Ger 
man  writer,  H.  A.  Rattermann,  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  to  whose 
kindness  I  am  indebted  for  the  valuable  information  recorded 
there  concerning  my  theme. 

Under  the  date  above  quoted,  May  7,  1836,  appears  this 
notice,  which  is  the  first  reference  to  the  society  or  rather  a  call 
for  its  organization: 

"Schon  seit  einiger  Zeit  haben  sich  in  mehreren  Orten  der  Ver- 
einigten  Staaten  Gesellschaften  gebildet,  um  sich  iiber  die  Griindung 
einer  deutschen  Stadt,  welche  der  Mittelpunkt  einer  deutschen  An- 
siedlung  in  einer  der  westlichen  Gegenden  dieses  Landes  seyn  soil, 
zu  berathen.  Eine  solche  Niederlassung,  im  Falle  dieselbe  von  edel- 


9  Das  deutsche  Element,  p.  38. 
.  39- 


4  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia. 

gesinnten,  verstandigen  und  fleissigen  Menschen  geschahe,  wiirde 
gewiss  fiir  deutsche  Sprache  und  Sitten,  deutsche  Kunst  und  Wis- 
senschaft  ein  grosser  Gewinn  seyn,  und  wiirde  Tausenden,  welche 
gern  das  alte  Vaterland  verlassen  wollten,  wenn  sie  nur  im  fremden 
Lande  dem  schonen,  gemuthlichen,  deutschen  Volksleben  nicht  ent- 
sagen  miissten,  einen  willkommenen  Zufluchtsort,  eine  neue  Heimath 
darbieten.  Es  1st  daher  der  Wunsch  mehrerer  Einwohner  dieser 
Stadt,  auch  eine  solche  Gesellschaft  zu  errichten  und  dieselbe,  wo 
moglich,  mit  den  Andern  zu  einem  grossen  Ganzen  zu  verbinden. 
Es  wird  zu  diesem  Endzweck  Samstag,  den  21.  Mai,  Abends  um 
8  Uhr,  in  der  "Northern  Exchange  in  der  dritten  Strasse  der  nord- 
lichen  Freiheiten  der  Commissioners  Hall  gegeniiber",  eine  Ver- 
sammlung  gehalten  werden,  wozu  nicht  allein  Solche,  welche  geneigt 
sind,  sich  nach  dem  fernen  Westen  zu  begeben,  sondern  Alle,  welche 
die  Aufrechthaltung  und  Verbreitung  deutschen  Volksthums  wiin- 
schen  freundlich  eingeladen  sind.  Es  ware  zu  wiinschen,  dass  sich 
Einige  zu  einer  dem  Gegenstand  angemessenen  Rede  vorbereiten 
mochten." 

(Signed)  ,,Bin  Deutscher." 

This  meeting  could  not  be  held  for  the  reason  that,  as  a 
notice  of  May  28th  announces,  the  hall  was,  by  some  misunder 
standing,  pre-empted  by  another  club.  The  second  notice  calls 
for  a  meeting  on  June  3d,  to  be  held  in  the  Commissioners'  Hall, 
on  North  Third  Street. 

Just  what  was  accomplished  at  this  first  meeting  is  not 
chronicled.  From  what  followed  soon  after  we  may  safely  infer 
that  from  the  very  beginning  the  project  was  favorably  received. 

The  next  record  which  we  have  is  dated  June  loth,  and 
consists  of  the  minutes  of  a  committee  which  evidently  was  ap 
pointed  at  the  meeting  on  June  the  3d.  This  committee  met  at 
the  Penn  Hotel,  which  was  located  in  Laetetia  Court,  south  side 
of  Market  Street,  between  Second  and  Front  Streets.  The  hotel 
was  owned  by  G.  Zimmermann.  All  'the  meetings  of  the  society 
were  held  here,  and  many  of  the  committees  met  here.  The 
minutes  in  question  are  prefaced  thus :  "Erste  Sitzung  des  Aus- 
schusses,  welcher  sich  zu  Folge  allgemeiner  Abstimmung,  zum 
Besuche  der  umfassenderen  Beleuchtung  des  Projectes  eine  neue 
deutsche  Stadt  zu  griinden,  heute  versammelte."  The  committee 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri.  5 

consisted  of  six  members:  Anton  Dunkelberg,  Pfarrer  Heinr. 
Ginal,  Ferdinand  Starck,  G.  Conradt,  Dr.  Wm.  Schmoele,  Xaver 
Jenderich.  There  were  also  two  "berathende  Glieder" ;  Ludwig 
Friedaus  and  Wilhelm  Mohl. 

Pfarrer  Ginal  was  chosen  as  chairman,  and  Wilhelm  Mohl 
as  temporary  secretary.  The  first  item  of  business  of  this  com 
mittee  appears  to  have  been  the  consideration  of  a  proposition 
by  one  Thomas  Padaraque,  "der  Texas  zur  Erreichung  des  vor- 
habenden  Zweckes  im  Vergleich  der  anderen  vorgeschlagenen 
Landern  in  giinstiges  Licht  zu  stellen  sucht."  From  this  we  are 
led  to  infer  that  as  early  as  the  meeting  of  June  the  third,  or  even 
previously,  certain  portions  of  America  had  been  proposed  as 
desirable  for  this  settlement.  Padaraque's  proposition  was  set 
aside  on  the  ground  that  Texas  was  politically  too  unsettled. 
(Texas  had  gained  her  independence  in  1835  and  was  not  yet  a 
part  of  the  United  States.)  Padaraque  seems  to  have  partici 
pated  in  these  early  meetings  for  selfish  ends  only.  In  the  city 
directory  of  that  time  we  find  no  such  name.  It  is  very  probable 
that  he  was  the  representative  of  some  land  agents,  who  foresaw 
some  rich  profits  from  transactions  with  a  society  none  too  famil 
iar  with  American  ways.  He  appears  only  a  few  times  in  the 
records.  After  proposing  and  recommending  the  purchase  of 
104,000  acres  of  land  in  Jefferson  County  (the  State  is  not 
given,  it  is  to  be  inferred  that  Texas  is  meant),  on  June  2Oth,  he 
is  not  again  mentioned. 

The  Texas  proposition  by  Padaraque  provoked  a  good  deal 
of  comment.  In  one  of  these  replies  made  by  Jenderich,  on  June 
1 5th,  additional  light  is  thrown  on  the  condition  as  well  as  the 
aspirations  of  the  Germans.  We  therefore  quote  a  part  of  it 
here : 

"Lange  schon  lag  es  in  den  Wiinschen  und  in  den  Planen  von 
uns  Deutschen,  uns  in  den  grossen  Vereingten  Staaten  ein  neues 
Deutschland,  ein  neues  Vaterland,  ein  sicheres  Asyl  fur  uns,  unsere 
Kinder  und  Nachkommen  zu  griinden  und  in  dem  Kreise  unserer 


6  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Familien   ruhig  und  unabhangig,  noch  mehr  wie  wir  es  gewohnt 
waren,  gesellschaftlich  leben  zu  konnen. 

Diese  Wiinsche  blieben  seither  aus  eigener  Schuld  unerfiillt, 
indem  die  zu  diesem  Behufe  sohon  in  unserem  Vaterlande  und  hier 
sich  schon  oft  und  viel  gebildeten  Vereine  sich  stets  wieder  trenn- 
ten,  auseinanderliefen  und  sich  bald  da  bald  dort  im  Lande  herum- 
streuten.  Es  fehlte  stets  an  zwei  wichtigen  Erfordernissen :  an  Ein- 
tracht  und  —  dem  wichtigsten  —  den  Mitteln.  Nun  scheint  aber  ein 
neuer  Stern  .aufzugehen." 

Among  the  papers  of  the  society  is  found :  "Ein  Entwurf 
zur  Bildung  einer  Actien-Gesellschaft."  It  bears  no  signature. 
From  the  tone  that  prevails  in  it,  which  sometimes  savors 
strongly  of  communism,  it  may  be  safe  to>  surmise  that  Pfarrer 
Ginal,  who  was  mentioned  above,  was  its  author.  That  Ginal  was, 
at  a  later  period,  engaged  in  a  communistic  venture  is  well  known. 
It  might  also  be  mentioned  that  after  the  society  had  decided  to 
pursue  a  non-communistic  policy,  Ginal  entirely  disappears  from 
view. 

Some  things  which  the  writer  says  in  his  "Entwurf"  give 
us  clues  to  certain  views  regarding  the  society. 

The  principal  part  of  the  paper  begins  with  this  sane  state 
ment  :  "Soil  der  Wohlstand  des  Ganzen  dauernd  begrundet  wer- 
den  so  mussen  Ackerbau  und  Manufacturen  Hand  in  Hand  ge- 
hen."  Later  the  writer  seeks  to  stimulate  interest  and  arouse  the 
pride  of  his  countrymen : 

"Wenn  unser  Zweck,  ein  neues  teutsches  Vaterland  zu  grunden, 
durch  Einigkeit  und  briiderliche  gegenseitige  Unterstutzung  erreicht 
worden  ist,  so  diirfen  wir  uns  der  trostliohen  Hoffnung  uberlassen, 
dass  der  Teutsche  noch  mit  alien  jenen  Tugenden  begabt  sein 
mogte,  wodurch  unser  Volk  unter  den  andern  Volkern  der  Welt 
dasteht,  wie  die  kraftige,  ehrwiirdige  Eiche  unter  den  Baumen  des 
Waldes;  dass  in  ihrer  Reinheit  erhalten  werden  mogten  jene  un- 
eigenniitzige  Wohlthatigkeit,  jene  warme,  treue  Anhanglichkeit  an 
seine  Landsleute,  jene  .gerade  Ehrlichkeit,  jene  Gastfreundlichkeit, 
jener  ausdauernde  Fleiss,  jene  feurige  Vaterlandsliebe  unserer  Vater 
und  jener  begeisterte  *Frei<heits-Sinn  endlich,  der  in  der  Stunde  der 
Priifung  noch  eben  so  lauter,  wie  vor  Jahrhunderten  sich  bewahrend 
einen  ehrenvollen  Antheil  an  dem  Kampfe  dieser  Kolonien  gegen 
ihre  Unterdriicker  nahm." 


Audits  Colony,   Hermann,   Missouri.  7 

In  the  following-  we  have  an  outcropping  of  the  communistic 
ideas  above  mentioned: 

"Wenn  einst  Vernunft  und  Humanitat  und  allgemeines  Wohl- 
wollen  herschen  werden,  dass  das  Wohl  jedes  Einzelnen  von  der 
Wohlfahrt  Aller  abhangt,  und  Jeder  iiberzeugt  sein  wird,  dass  er 
an  seinem  eigenen  Gliick  arbeitet,  indem  er  die  Wunsche  des  An- 
deren  befordert,  dann  wird  kein  politischer  Fanatismus,  kein  After- 
priester  der  Gerechtigkeit  ihren  seligen  Frieden  storen  und  Zwie- 
tracht  nie  ihren  stillen  Wohnungen  sich  nahen." 

From  a  number  of  such  and  stronger  hints  we  are  justified 
in  concluding  that  some  of  the  early  promoters  of  the  settlement 
movement  entertained  views  of  a  communistic  organization.  It 
will  be  remembered  that  no  definite  organization  existed  as  yet. 
Everyone  was  invited  to  submit  his  views.  From  these  plans  the 
most  feasible  was  to  be  selected. 

It  is  not  in  /the  least  surprising  to  hear  such  a  communistic 
note  sounded  at  this  time.  The  air  seems  to  have  been  full  of  it. 
Rapp  and  other  leaders  of  communities  had  already  brought  their 
societies  to  the  highest  point  of  prosperity.  It  is  safe  to  assert 
that  almost  every  German  of  Philadelphia  knew  about  these 
societies.  From  several  letters  addressed  to  the  temporary  offi 
cers  of  the  society  to  be,  we  glean  that  the  writers  feared  that  a 
society  "a  la  Rapp"  was  intended.  Soon,  however,  these  allu 
sions  and  suggestions  disappear  entirely.  The  society  settled 
down  to  work  out  a  sound  business  proposition.  That  this  task 
was  not  an  easy  one  is  quite  apparent.  None  of  the  participants 
had  any  experience  in  such  undertakings.  First  of  all  it  was 
necessary  that  a  large  number  of  Germans  should  become  inter 
ested  in  the  plan.  Then  the  public  must  be  convinced,  beyond  a 
shadow  of  a  doubt,  of  the  sincerity  of  the  promoters.  The  basis 
of  the  business  must  be  perfectly  sound.  All  this  was  understood 
and  appreciated  by  the  committee  which  was  charged  to  find 
ways  and  means  to  the  solution  of  these  problems. 

The  method  of  obtaining  the  necessary  money  presented 
much  difficulty.  It  was  clear  that  a  large  sum  of  money  would 


8  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

be  needed.  Just  how  to  obtain  these  funds  without  giving  some 
capitalists  a  controlling  interest  demanded  careful  reflection.  The 
society  was  to  be  for  the  people  and  by  the  people.  This  much 
all  desired.  The  plan  of  forming  a  stock  company  appeared  to 
be  the  most  practical  and  met  the  most  hearty  approval.  Quite 
naturally,  however,  the  details  of  the  plan  could  mature  but 
slowly.  A  great  number  of  resolutions  were  proposed  and  again 
recalled.  In  this  manner  the  affair  dragged  along  until  Dr.  Wil 
liam  Schmoele  suggested  a  sound  and  practical  plan  of  raising 
the  necessary  money  to  place  the  whole  project  on  a  working 
basis.  This  proposition  appears  in  the  report  the  Committee 
on  Ways  and  Means  submitted  to  the  main  body. 
The  report  is  prefaced  thus : 

"Briider  nenne  ich  Euch  alle  die  Ihr  hier  versammelt  seyd,  alle, 
welche  sich  der  deutschen  Zunge  bedienen,  mochte  ich  zu  einem 
Familienbunde  vereinigt  sehn." 

After  a  few  paragraphs,  rehearsing  the  purpose  of  the  soci 
ety,  they  drew  up  the  resolutions,  the  essential  parts  of  which 
follow : 

"i.)  Dass  in  einigen  der  gelesensten  Zeitungen  Aufforderungen 
an  die  Besitzer  solcher  Landereien  erlassen  werden,  welche  im 
Staate  Pennsylvanien,  New  York,  Illinois,  etc.  von  150,000  bis 
200,000  Acker  besitzen,  dieselben  mochten  zum  Behufe  der  Unter- 
handlung  moglichst  genaue  Beschreibungen  und  Verkaufsbedingun- 
gen  einschicken,  welche  einlaufende  Berichte  uns  in  Stand  setzen, 
nicht  nur  in  den  Besitz  gehoriger  Auswahl  zu  gelangen  sondern 
auch; 

2.)  Drei  Commisaire  abzusenden,  welche  durch  moglichst  ge- 
nauen  Augenschein  alle  ortliche  Verhaltnisse  priifen,  und  dariiber 
Rechenschaft  ertheilen  sollen. 

3.)  Zu  Bestreitung  dieser,  als  auch  etwaiger  weitrer  unvermeid- 
licher  Kosten,  diirfte  von  jedem  Interessirten  eine  Beitrags  Quota 
von  $3.00  sogleich  erhoben  werden.  Nur  auf  diese  Weise  glauben 
wir  den  grossen  wichtigen  Colonisationsplan  ausarbeiten  zu  konnen, 
welcher  unter  briiderlicher  Eintracht  ausgefuhrt,  das  Mittel  wird 
denen  sittlichen,  wackeren  Deutschen,  welche  die  redliche  mann- 
liche  Absicht  mitbringen,  durch  vereinigte  Anstrengungen,  im 


And  its  Colony ',  Hermann,    Missouri.  9 

Schweiss  ihres  Angesichtes,  sich  Unabhangigkeit  zu  erringen;  dann 
diirfte  man  sich  belebenden  Hoffnungen  iiberlassen,  dass  solche 
Niederlassungen  sich  bald,  von  alien  gleichzeitigen  anderen,  durch 
ein  rasches,  frohliches  Gedeihen  auszeichnen  werden. 

Allmahlich  werden  dann  alle  grossen  Landstriche  im  nord- 
westlichen  Theile  von  Pennsylvanien,  wohl  gar  unter  noch  giinsti- 
geren  Bedingtmgen,  vorziiglich  fiir  deutsche  Emigranten  sich  offnen 
und  in  wenigen  Jahren  vielleicht  jener  nordwestliche  Theil  von 
Pennsylvanien,  kiirzer  und  charakteristisch  zugleich,  mit  dem  Na- 
men  ,,Deutschheim"  bezeichnet  werden  konnen  und  zwar  nicht  als 
eine  Heimath  derer  die  aus  Noth  und  Bedrangniss  eine  Heimath 
suchen,  auch  fiir  deutsche  Volksthumlichkeit  und  deutsche  National- 
tugenden  --  und  eine  Zuflucht  einst  fiir  deutsche  Kunst  und  Lit- 
teratur.  Das  Guthaben  des  Individuums  wird  ihm  nach  seinem  Ver- 
langen,  entweder  in  Produkten  der  Gesellschaft  oder  wo  es  thunlich 
ist,  in  Geldern  oder  auch  als  Capital  der  Gemeinde  gegen  Verzin- 
sung,  oder  zu  gemeinschaftlichen  Unternehmungen,  als  Actie  ge- 
lassen." 

Resolutions  5,  6  and  /  do  not  interest  us  here,  except  for 
the  suggestion  relating  to  communism  contained  in  them.  It  is 
therefore  unnecessary  to  quote  them  here. 

"8.)  Wenn  die  Gesellschaft  gross  genug  ist,  so  werden  nach 
einiger  Zeit  ein  oder  mehrere  tiichtige,  mit  soliden  Kentnissen  aus- 
geriisteten  Schullehrer  angestellt,  welche  zugleich  fiir  die  Erwach- 
senen,  die  Theil  am  Unterricht  nehmen  wollen,  bestimmt,  und  auch 
zweckmassigen  Unterricht  in  der  englischen  Sprache  ertheilen.  Mu- 
sik  zur  Ausbildung  musikalischer  Talente,  und  Gesangiibungen  fiir 
alle  jungen  Personen  mochten  mit  solchem  Unterricht  hauptsach- 
lich  verbunden  werden. 

9.)  Eine  gesellschaftliche  Bibliothek  ausgewahlter,  niitzlicher 
Schriften  in  teutscher  und  englischer  Sprache  moge  ein  wesent- 
licher  Gegenstand  der  Berathung  werden." 

Thus  the  committee  outlined  the  plan  of  procedure  and 
offered  suggestions  that  should  induce  others  to  become  inter 
ested  in  the  scheme. 

In  the  Alte  und  Neue  Welt  of  August  6th  we  find  the  first 
notice  pointing  towards  the  formal  organization  of  the  society. 
It  reads  thus:  "Es  wird  der  Versammlung  eine  Constitution  zur 
formlichen  Organisirung  der  Gesellschaft  zur  Berathung  und 
Abstknmnng  vorgelegt  werden."  Signed,  "Der  Ausschuss." 


io  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

At  this  meeting,  which  was  held  on  August  gth,  fifty  per 
sons  were  found  willing  to  support  the  scheme  as  outlined.  At 
that  time  the  following  constitution  was  drafted  for  the  society. 
The  date  of  its  adoption  remains  undetermined. 

Statuten  der  deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft. 

Da  wir  es  fur  sehr  vortheilhaft  fur  uns,  unsere  Freunde,  und  die 
Deutschen  im  A41gemeinen  halten,  dass  in  irgend  einem  passenden 
Theile  der  Vereinigten  Staaten,  wo  moglich  Pennsylvanien,  eine 
deutsohe  Ansiedlung  angelegt  werde,  in  welcher  einer  grossen  An- 
zahl  Deutscher  Gelegenheit  gegeben  wird  ihren  Fleiss  und  ihre 
Kentnisse  auf  einer  ihnen  vortheilhaften  und  angenehmen  Weise  in 
Thatigkeit  und  Anwendung  zu  bringen :  so  haben  wir  uns  zu  einer 
Gesellschaft  vereinigt,  deren  Zweck  ist  alle  Erkundigungen  einzuzie- 
hen,  Untersuchungen  anzustellen  und  Vorbereitungen  zu  treffen, 
welche  zur  Ansiedlung  nothwendig  und  nutzlich  sind. 

I.    Name. 

Der  Name  der  Gesellschaft  soil  sein  ,,Deutsche  Ansiedlungs- 
Gesellschaft" 

II.  Mitglieder. 

Jedermann  kann  Mitglied  dieser  Gesellschaft  werden,  welcher 
Interesse  fur  die  beabsichtigte  deutsche  Ansiedlung  hegt,  er  mag 
dahin  auswandern  wollen  oder  nicht. 

III.  Beitrdge. 

Jedes  Mitglied  zahlt  einen  Beitrag  von  $3.00  in  die  Kasse  der 
Gesellschaft,  um  die  zur  Ausfiihrung  ihres  Planes  nothwendigen 
Ausgaben  zu  bestreiten.  Diese  3  Thaler  und  alle  etwaigen  anderen 
autorisierten  Ausgaben  der  Glieder  dieser  Gesellschaft  sollen  den- 
selben  bei  der  spateren  wirklichen  Anlegung  der  Ansiedlung  als 
Abschlagszahlung  fur  ihre  Landantheile  zu  gute  geschrieben  werden. 

IV.   Beamte. 

Die  Gesellschaft  wahlt  jedesmal  in  ihrer  ersten  halbjahrigen 
Versammlung  einen  Vorsitzer,  zwei  Stadthalter,  zwei  Schreiber  und 
einen  Schatzmeister.  Diese  Beamten  sollen  ihre  Aemter  unentgelt- 
lich  verwalten. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  n 

V.    Pflichten  und  Rechte  der  Beamten. 

(They  are  the  same  as  those  of  any  other  American  organiza 
tion.) 

VI.   Stehender  Ausschuss. 

In  gleicher  Zeit  mit  den  genannten  Beamten  soil  ein  stehender 
Ausschuss  von  7  bis  8  Mitgliedern  gewahlt  werden,  welcher  zwischen 
den  Versammlungen  der  Gesellschaft  die  Geschafte  derselben  fiihren 
und  in  wichtigen  Angelegenheiten  eine  ausserordentliche  Versamm- 
lung  der  Gesellschaft  berufen  soil. 

Der  Vorsitzer,  die  Schreiber,  die  Statthalter  und  der  Kassen- 
verwalter  sollen  dem  stehenden  Ausschuss  als  Mitglieder  beigefugt 
werden. 

VII.    Versammlungen. 

Die  Gesellschaft  soil  sich  alle  Monate,  je  am  ersten  Samstag- 
Abend  desselben  versammeln  um  den  Gang  der  Gesellschaft  fortzu- 
setzen. 

Pursuant  to  the  call  of  August  the  ninth,  a  meeting  was  held 
to  discuss  the  permanent  organization.  From  August  Qth  to  the 
27th,  seven  meetings  were  held  to  discuss,  alter  and  amend  the 
proposed  constitution.  The  advice  of  Samuel  Keemle,  an  attor 
ney  at  law,  was  sought,  and  the  most  prominent  business  men  of 
Philadelphia  were  consulted  regarding  the  practicability  of  the 
organization.  The  chief  care  was  the  disposition  of  the  money 
of  the  society.  The  growth  as  to  membership  had  been  steady. 
No  attempt  was  made  to  hasten  it.  The  soundness  of  the  basic 
principles  was  the  chief  consideration.  Finally  on  August  the 
27ith,  the  constitution  of  the  society  was  formally  accepted.  Ap 
pended  to  this  there  appear  the  names  of  225  signers,  which  we 
reproduce  in  their  original  order. 

The  following  is  the  constitution  of  the  permanent  organi 
zation  : 

Verfassungsurkunde  und  Nebengesetze  der  Deutschen  Ansiedlungs- 
Gesellschaft,  gegrundet  zu  Philadelphia  am  2.7 ten  Aug.  1836. 

No.  i.     Gesellschaft. 
Wir  die  Unterzeichneten  vereinigen  uns  zu  einer  Gesellschaft 


12  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

fur   die   Anlegung   einer   deutschen   Ansiedlung,   und   wollen    den 
Namen : 

,,Deutsche  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft" 

tuhren. 

Zur  Organisierung  der  Gesellschaft,  zur  regelmassigen  Ge- 
schaftsfuhrung  und  zur  Sicherung  der  Rechte  jedes  einzelnen  Mit- 
gliedes  sowohl  als  der  ganzen  Gesellschaft  setzen  wir  folgende  Sta- 
tuten  f est : 

No.  2.    Actien. 

Die  Gesellschaft  wird  auf  Actien  gegriindet  von  welchen  jede 
im  ersten  Tausend  fiinfundzwanzig  und  jede  im  zweiten  Tausend 
dreissig  Thaler  kosten  soil.  Die  Preise  aller  iibrigen  Actien  sollen 
von  dem  Verwaltungsrath  vorgeschlagen  und  von  der  Gesellschaft 
bestimmt  werden. 

No.  3.     Rechte  der  Mitglieder. 

Jeder  Eigenthumer  von  einer  oder  mehreren  Actien  hat  eine 
Stimme.  Jedes  Mitglied  erhalt  fiir  jede  Actie,  die  es  eignet,  eine 
Stadt-lotte  in  einer  von  der  Gesellschaft  anzulegenden  Stadt  al« 
Eigenthum.  Jedoch  soil  jedes  Mitglied,  welches  eine  Bauerei  der 
Gesellschaft  unter  den  nur  den  Mitgliedern  zu  bewilligenden  Vor- 
theilen  ankauft,  das  Recht  haben,  eine  oder  jede  seiner  Actien  zu 
dem  zur  Zeit  stattfindenden  erhohten  Actien  Preise,  anstatt  baaren 
Geldes,  zuriickzugeben.  Sollte  z.  B.  ein  Mitglied  vier  Actien  be- 
sitzen  und  nach  zwei  Jahren,  wenn  vielleicht  der  Preis  der  Actien  auf 
hundert  Thaler  gestiegen  ist,  eine  zum  Bewohnen  fertig  gemachte 
Bauerei  fiir  die  Summe  von  vierhundert  Thalern  von  der  Gesell 
schaft  ankaufen,  so  hat  er  das  Recht,  seine  vier  Actien,  jede  zu  hun 
dert  Thaler  gerechnet,  an  Zahlungs-Statt  zuriick  zu  geben ;  wodurch 
seine  Bauerei  ganz  abbezahlt  wird. 

No.  4.    Beamten. 

Die  Beamten  der  Gesellschaft  sollen  bestehen  in: 
einem  Prasidenten, 
einem  Vice-Prasidenten, 
einem  Secretair, 
einem  Vice-Secretair, 
einem  Schatzmeister, 
und  ferner  in : 

einem   Verwaltungsrathe   von   neun   Gliedern   und   einem 
Deputirten-Ausschusse  von  drei  Mitgliedern. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  13 

No.  5.    Wahl  der  Beamten  und  Amtsdauer. 

Alle  Beamten  sollen  durch  Stimmen-Mehrheit  in  einer  consti- 
tutionellen,  regelmassigen  Versammlung  der  Gesellschaft  und  zwar 
derjenigen,  welche  dem  Auslaufe  der  respectiven  Amtsdauer  der 
Beamten  zunachst  vorher  geht,  gewahlt  werden. 

Alle  Beamten  sollen  auf  ein  Jahr  gewahlt  werden. 

Das  Amt  des  Deputirten-Ausschusses  soil  mit  der  Beendigung 
seiner  Auftrage  ablaufen. 

Alle  diese  Bestimmungen  iiber  die  Amtsdauer  der  Beamten, 
mit  Ausnahme  des  Deputirten-Ausschusses,  sollen  erst  in  Kraft 
treten  nachdem  tausend  Actien  von  der  Gesellschaft  verkauft  sind. 
Bis  dahin  sollen  alle  Beamten,  mit  Ausnahme  der  Deputirten,  bios 
provisorisch  gewahlt  werden. 

No.  6.    Pfiichten  der  Beamten. 

I.  Der  President  soil 

I.)  in  den  Versammlungen  der  Gesellschaft  den  Vorsitz  fiihren 
und  bei  Stimmen-Gleichheit  die  entscheidende  Stimme  haben. 

2.)  Er  soil  dafiir  sorgen,  dass  Ordnung  und  Ruhe  erhalten  und 
Beschliisse  der  Gesellschaft  genau  und  punktlich  vollzogen  werden. 

3.)  Er  soil,  gemass  Par.  9,  alle  Rechnungen  und  Anweisungen 
auf  die  Kasse  der  Gesellschaft  zugleich  mit  dem  Verwaltungsrathe 
unterzeichnen. 

4.)  Er  soil  alle  6  Monate  Bericht  erstatten  iiber  die  in  dieser 
Zeit  gemachten  Fortschritte  der  Gesellschaft. 

II.  Der  Viceprasident  soil  in  Abwesenheit  des  Prasidenten  das 
Amt  desselben  verwalten. 

III.  Der  Sekretair  soil 

I.)    Das  Protokoll  der  Verhandlungen  der  Gesellschaft  fiihren. 

2.)    Er  soil  die  Correspondenz  der  Gesellschaft  besorgen. 

3.)  Er  soil  die  Constitution  und  sonstigen  Documente  der  Ge 
sellschaft  aufbewahren. 

4.)  Er  soil  eine  Woche  vor  dem  Ende  jedes  halben  Jahres  einen 
schriftlichen  Bericht  iiber  die  Verwaltung  seines  Amtes  in  dem  letzt- 
verflossenen  halben  Jahre  an  den  Prasidenten  abliefern. 

5.)  Er  soil,  nach  Par.  9,  alle  Rechnungen  und  Anweisungen 
auf  die  Kasse  der  Gesellschaft  mit  unterschreiben. 

IV.  Der  Vicesecretair  soil  in  Abwesenheit  des  Secretairs  die 
Stelle  desselben  vertreten,  ihm  auch  sonst  bei  iiberhauften  Geschaf- 
ten  Hiilfe  leisten. 


14  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

V.  Der  Schatzmeister  soil 

I.)  alle  Gelder  der  Gesellschaft  in  Empfang  nehmen  und 
dariiber  quittiren. 

2.)  Er  soil  sobald  er  eine  Summe  von  100  Thalern  eingenom- 
men  hat,  dieselbe  in  einer  noch  naher  zu  bestimmenden  Bank  binnen 
24  Stunden  niederlegen. 

3.)  Er  soil  alle  Rechnungen,  welche  vom  Prasidenten,  Secre- 
tair  und  Verwaltungsrathe  unterschrieben  sind,  durch  Anweisungen 
auf  die  Kasse,  welche  nach  Par.  9,  von  ihm  selbst,  dem  Prasidenten, 
Secretair  und  dem  Verwaltungsrathe  unterschrieben  sind,  bezahlen. 

4.)  Er  soil  iiber  Einnahme  und  Ausgabe  genau  Buch  fiihren 
und  jedes  Mai  auf  Verlangen  des  Verwaltungsrathes,  nach  zwei- 
tagiger  Anzeige,  diesem  die  Biicher  zur  Einsicht  vorlegen. 

5.)  Er  soil  eine  Woche  vor  dem  Ende  jedes  halben  Jahres 
einen  schriftlichen  Bericht  iiber  den  Zustand  der  Kasse  an  den  Pra 
sidenten  ablegen. 

Er  soil  eine  verhaltnissmassige  Biirgschaft  leisten. 

VI.  Der  Verwaltungsrath  soil : 

I.)  Die  Geschafte  der  Gesellschaft  zwischen  den  Versamm- 
lungen  derselben  versehen  und  alle  diejenigen  Anordnungen  treffen, 
welche  das  wohl  der  Gesellschaft  und  die  Erreichung  ihrer  Zwecke 
erfordern.  Zu  alien  seinen  Beschliissen  und  Anordnungen  soil 
jedoch  die  Beistimmung  des  Prasidenten  der  Gesellschaft  notwendig 
sein. 

2.)  Er  soil  nach  Par.  9  das  Vermogen  der  Gesellschaft  vertre- 
ten  und  alle  Rechnungen  und  Anweisungen  auf  die  Kasse  der  Ge 
sellschaft  unterschreiben. 

3.)  Er  soil  in  jeder  regelmassigen  Versammlung  der  Gesell 
schaft  Bericht  erstatten  iiber  Alles,  was  er  seit  der  letzt  vorherge- 
gangenen  Versammlung  angeordnet  und  geleistet  hat. 

VII.  Der  Deputirten-Ausschuss  soil  die  ihm  vom  Verwaltungs 
rathe  angewiesenen  Staaten  und  Gebiete  von  Nord-Amerika  bereisen 
und  untersuchen  ob  und  wie  weit  derselbe  oder  welche  Theile  der 
selben  zu  einer  deutschen  Ansiedlung  geeignet  sind. 

Der  Ausschuss  soil  zu  diesem  Zwecke  ein  Tagebuch  fiihren 
iiber  Resultate  seiner  Untersuchungen  und  wahrend  seiner  Reise 
von  Zeit  zu  Zeit  einen  Auszug  daraus  an  den  Verwaltungsrath  schi- 
cken,  bei  seiner  Zuriickkunft  aber  das  Ganze  der  Versammlung 
vorlegen. 

Der  Ausschuss  soil  ferner,  so  weit  es  ihm  moglich  ist,  iiber  die 
jenigen  Landstriche,  die  ihm  zu  einer  deutschen  Ansiedlung  am 
tauglichsten  scheinen,  provisorische  Kauf-Contracte  unter  den  mog- 
lichst  vortheilhaften  Bedingungen  abzuschliessen  suchen,  so  dass  die 


Audits  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri.  15 

Gesellschaft  nachher  bei  der  Auswahl  eines  Landstriches  die  Kauf- 
Contracte  nach  Gutbefinden  genehmigen  oder  verwerfen  kann. 

No.  7.    V  ersammlungen. 

Jeden  Monat  soil  eine  regelmassige  Versammlung  der  Gesell- 
schaft  gehalten  werden.  So  oft  bei  einer  Versammlung  der  Gesell- 
schaft  fiinfzig  Mitglieder  personlich  anwesend  sind,  soil  die  Ver 
sammlung  fahig  sein,  Geschafte  zu  thun. 

Nur  Mitglieder  der  Gesellschaft  konnen  Stellvertreter  fiir  ab- 
wesende  Mitglieder  sein.  Kein  Mitglied  darf  mehr  als  fiinf  Stimmen 
reprasentiren,  seine  eigene  eingeschlossen.  Sollte  daher  Jemand 
von  mehr  als  vier  anderen  Gliedern  zum  Stellvertreter  ernannt  sein, 
so  muss  er  alle  iibrigen  Stimmen  auf  anwesende  Mitglieder  ver- 
theilen.  Extra- Versammlungen  sollen  gehalten  und  durch  den  Pra- 
sidenten  berufen  werden,  so  oft  es  dieser  fiir  nothig  halt  oder  der 
Verwaltungsrath  oder  fiinfundzwanzig  Mitglieder  der  Gesellschaft 
ihn  dazu  auffordern. 

No.  8.    Verwertung  der  G  elder. 

Die  Gelder  der  Gesellschaft  sollen  zum  Ankaufe  des  Landes, 
zur  Urbarmachung  und  Einrichtung  von  Bauereien  und  Dorfschaf- 
ten,  zur  Abklarung,  und  Auslegung  von  einer  oder  mehreren  Stad- 
ten,  je  nachdem  die  Mittel  der  Gesellschaft  reichen ;  ferner  zu  alien 
solchen  Anlagen  und  Unternehmungen  welche  das  Aufbluhen  der 
Gesellschaft  befordern :  zu  Fabriken,  Manufacturen,  Schulen  etc., 
verwendet  werden.  Alle  Bestimmnngen  zur  Verwendung  der  Gelder 
sollen  von  der  Gesellschaft  oder  vom  Verwaltungsrathe  gemacht 
werden.  Sobald  jedoch  im  letztern  Falle  eine  Unternehmung  iiber 
tausend  Thaler  kostet,  soil  die  Einwilligung  einer  constitutions- 
massigen  Versammlung  der  Gesellschaft  unerlasslich  sein. 

No.  9.  Sicker stellung  der  Kasse. 

Zur  Sicherstellung  der  Kasse  und  des  Vermogens  sollen  die 
neun  Verwaltungsrathe  als  Trusties  die  Kasse  und  das  Vermogen 
der  Gesellschaft  reprasentieren,  zu  welchem  Zwecke  ein  Trusties- 
Contract  (deed  or  declaration  of  trust)  durch  einen  von  der  Gesell 
schaft  zu  erwahlenden  Ausschuss  mit  den  Verwaltungsrathen  abge- 
schlossen  werden  soil. 

In  diesem  Contracte  soil  bestimmt  werden,  dass  alle  Einnahmen, 
sobald  sie  eine  Summe  von  hundert  Thalern  betragen,  binnen  24 
Stunden  in  einer  naher  zu  bestimmenden  Bank  sollen  niedergelegt 
werden  und  dass  keine  Gelder  aus  dieser  Bank  sollen  herausge- 


1 6  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

nommen  warden  konnen,  wenn  nicht  eine  Anweisung  zu  diesem 
Zwecke  von  dem  Prasidenten,  oder  in  dessen  Abwesenheit  vom 
Viceprasidenten,  von  dem  Secretaire,  von  dem  Schatzmeister  und 
der  Mehrheit  des  Verwaltimgsrathes  unterzeichnet  worden  ist.  Fer- 
ner  sollen  in  dem  genannten  Trusties-Contracte,  oder  (deed  or  dec 
laration  of  trust),  alle  sonstigen  Provisionen  gemacht  werden,  welche 
der  znr  Abschliessung  desselben  erwahlte  Atisschuss  zur  Sicherung 
der  Gesellschaft  fur  notig  erachtet. 

No.  10.     Verdnderung  dieser  Constitution. 

Eine  Veranderung  dieser  Constitution  kann  nur  durch  Ueber- 
einstimmung  von  zwei  Dritttheilen  sammtlicher  Mitglieder  oder  ihrer 
Stellvertreter  gemacht  werden.  Ein  Vorschlag  zu  einer  Aenderung 
kann  in  jeder  constitutionsmassigen  Versammlung  gemacht  werden, 
ob  ein  solcher  Vorschlag  zur  Abstimmung  kommen  soil  oder  nicht. 
Im  Bejahungsfalle  soil  darauf  der  Vorschlag  wenigstens  einen 
Monat  vor  der  Abstimmung  offentlich  bekannt  gemacht  werden. 

Die  Gesellschaft  kann  durch  ein  Quorum  der  bezeichneten  Mit 
glieder  Nebengesetze  oder  Regeln  machen,  welche  jedoch  dieser  Con 
stitution  nicht  entgegen  sein  diirfen,  und  diese  sind  stets  in  das  Pro- 
tokoll  der  Gesellschaft  einzutragen. 

No.  n. 

Die  Gesellschaft  soil,  sobald  als  es  thunlich  incorporirt  werden. 

Julius  Leupold?  President.  Jacob  Rommel 

Wilhelm    Schmcele,    Vice-Prasi-  Peter  Lion 

dent.  Wilhelm  Lemberger 

J.  G.  Wesselhoeft,  Secretair.  Johann  Wittmann 

Fr.  Ludeking,  Vice-Secretair.  Thadaus  Bruder 

C.  G.  Ritter  Ernst  Haas 

F.  L.  C.  Gebhard  Johann  Heinrich  Manerke 

W.  H.  Leupold  Georg  Schotten 

D.  W.  Wohlein  Friederich  HofTmeister 
Adam  Schmidt  Christ.  August  Langguth 
Ferdinand  Heirtz  Christoph  Metzger 
Johann  Conrad  Viereck  Joseph  Roller 

B.  Schmitz  Wilhelm  Miiller 

John  Bock  John  Heinr.  Schwacke 

F.  W.  L.  Kiderlen  Adam  Siedler 

Georg  Riefenstahl  Johannes  Hirschmann 

Reinhold  Koepf  Johann  Gronhardt 

Charles  L.  Eickhoff  Friedrich  Gemf 

Friedrich   Kerschenbach  Johann  Oestreicher 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri. 


Jacob  Summ 

Friedrich  Leonhard 

Matthaus  Krautter 

Conrad  Ferdinand  Kuhne 

Johann  Klumpp 

Georg  Bader 

Adolph  Hoehling 

Ferdinand  Laackmann 

Heinrich  Christian  Schrader 

Mathias  Birck 

Ludwig  Sigrist 

Gustav  Stiibgen 

Charles  Pommer 

Jacob  Mersinger 

Erhard  Staffhorst 

M.  J.  Hiitz 

Jacob  Knoll 

Michael  A.  Kerchner 

Heinrich  Arnsfeld 

F.  W.  C.  Seelhorst 

Adam  Sengenberger 

Caspar  Knodel 

William  Henning 

Gottfried  Krauss 

Johann  Mayer 

Georg  Benninghoff 

Jacob  Ratheusen 

Wilhelm  Betz 

Adam  Maag 

C.  W.  Gronau 

C.  F.  Stottmeyer 

Ludwig  Friedrich  Niekerke 

Conrad  Roos 

Wilhelm  Kielmann 

Bernard  Martin  Meyer 

Johann  F.  Albrecht 

Carl  M.  Grahn 

Joseph  Bodenhoefer 

Louis  Ebstadt 

Josef  Schmidt 

J.  Heinrich  Biihler 

Martin  Stephan 

Alphonse  Libermann 

Andreas  Dold 

Albert  Combernass 


Heinrich  Kopken 
Peter  Rau 

Friedrich  Hoffmeister 
Bernhard  Schmitz 
Joseph  Schindler 
Wilhelm  Tilg 
Joseph  Nock 
Johann  Harig 
F.  W.  Wilcke 
Sigmund  Rutschmann 
Friedrich  Georg  Schaeffer 
C.  Valetin  Presser 
Konrad  Liebach 
Christoph  Valet 
Lewis  Austermell 
Hermann  Knop 
Heinrich  Bachmann 
Georg  Fischer 
C.  L.  Mayer 
Philipp  Pfister 
H.  Schmoele 
Michael  Rohe 
Christian  Tiemann 
Heinrich  Gerker 
H.  Wm.  Echternacht 
Fr.  Leupold 
Christ.  Hasenpatt 
Johann  Heinrich  Lahring 
Georg  Ruff 
John  G.  Finn 
George  Duhring,  Dr.  M. 
Joseph  Hiller 
Philipp  Leidorff 
Joseph  Engelbert 
Hermann  Schniedewindt 
Franz  Arnold 
Gottlob  Laib 
Eduard  Koch 
Herm.  Curtius 
Friedrich  Viereck 
F.  G.  Schreiber 
Franke  Franksen 
Carl  Pommer 
Wilhelm  F.  Pommer 
Heinrich  Pommer 


18 


The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 


Herman  Schweizer 

Louis  Golitz 

Gabriel  Kowitzky  Circovich 

Martin  Rosienkiewicz 

L.  A.  Wollenweber 

Anna  Maria  Heiner 

Wm.  Gellert 

P.  W.  Schmidt 

Jno.  Friedr.  Schmidt 

Johs.  Theiss 

Ferd.  Riemann 

Wilhelm  Schubert 

Johann  Georg  Zoller 

Johann  Georg  Zipperer 

Karl  Becker 

F.  v.  Schrader 
Johannes  Mayer 
Georg  Herwig 
J.  P.  Abker 
Daniel  Heinemann 
Friedrich  Rebhun 
C.  F.  Heitzmann 
Fritz  Leibrock 

P.  Jacob  Burkhard 
Henry  Koch 

G.  A.  Fuss 
Friedrich  Triebler 
Wilhelm  Mohl 
Friedrich  Kuhnholz 
Georg  S  chock 
Gottfried  Ackermann 
Christoph  Schafer 
Adam  Valet 
Johannes  Knoll 
Joseph  Baumann 
Jacob  Hagel 
Michael  Hagel 
Michael  Rothrang 
Wilhelm  Leichmann 
Ulrich  Stirnemann 
Abraham  Jenny 
Johann  Georg  Zeller 
August  Schrader 
Daniel  Haberstock 
Kaspar  Miiller 


Martin  Petri 
Bernhard  Schweickert 
Christian  Klein 
Johann  Horn 
Conrad  Wagner 
Catherine  Viereck 
Johann  Lemberger 
Jacob  Schiefer 
L.  Sommerhalder 
F.  H.  Kiihne 
David  Wittmann 
Eduard  Seltzer 
Joseph  Brunner 
August  Ziegler 
Heinrich  Gentner 
Friedrich  Gentner 

Georg  Supper 
Georg  Bader 

Heinrich  Roemer 

Friedrich  Kaiser 

Christian  Kraug 

Johann  Grabner 

Carl  Dithmer 

F.  Gebhard 

Leonhard  Jung 

August  Horn 

Gottfried  Krauss 

Carl  Metzger 

John  Hoffmann 

Leopold  Eckhard 

Heinrich  Rietze 

Joh.  Georg  Beiszwanger 

Marie  Elizabeth  Viereck 

Friedrich  Gottlieb 

Louis  Reiger 

Jacob  Heinlein 

Franz  Langendorfer 

G..  F.  Bayer 

Friedrich  Bok 

Adam  Martin 

John  J.  Schock 

Franz  Schellenberg 

Fr.  Leupold 

Heinrich  Werkloe 

Julius  Harnisch 


Audits  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri.  19 

H.  Diedrichs  G.  H.  Mittnacht 

Fred.  Centner  F.  G.  Kaltner 

G.  H.  Mecke  Eleazar  Demetrio  Artemiews 

Georg  Jacob  Schneider  Charles  Libeau 

On  the  same  evening  that  the  constitution  was  adopted  and 
signed,  the  newly  created  offices  were  rilled.  The  following  were 
the  first  officers : 

President,  Julius  Leupold; 

Viceprasident,  Dr.  Wm.  Schmoele; 

Secretair,  J.  G.  Wesselhoeft; 

Vicesecretair,  F.  Ludeking; 

Schatzmeister,  Dr.  Moenring; 

Deputirte :   C.  v.  Ferentheil,  C.   G.  Ritter,  F.  L.  C.  Gebhard. 

Verwaltungsrath :  J.  C.  Viereck,  W.  Feuring,  Adam 
Schmidt,  D.  W.  Wohlein,  B.  Schmitz,  W.  H.  Leupold,  J.  Bock, 
F.  Stark,  F.  W.  L.  Kiderlen. 

In  passing,  it  should  be  noted  that  for  some  unexplained  rea 
son  Dr.  Moehring  did  not  accept  the  office  of  treasurer. 

On  September  26,  Adam  Schmidt,  then  a  member  of  the 
Board  of  Managers,  was  chosen  treasurer.  The  vacancy  in  the 
Board  of  Managers  was  filled  by  the  election  of  C.  Pommer. 

The  meeting  of  August  27th  was  certainly  a  memorable  one 
in  the  history  of  the  society.  Enthusiasm  for  ithe  new  cause  was 
running  high.  One  feels  something  of  the  feverish  nature  even 
in  the  records  of  the  meeting.  Letters  of  inquiry  and  commenda 
tion  seem  to  have  arrived  from  various  parts  of  the  country. 
Everyone  felt  certain  of  the  most  glorious  success.  Before  re 
tiring  from  the  position  of  temporary  chairman,  Dr.  Wm. 
Schmoele  delivered  a  fiery  address.  He  gives  a  brief  resume  of 
the  struggles  of  the  organization.  Then  he  speaks  of  the  future : 

"Ja,  wahrlich,  deutsche  Briider,  wenn  je  etwas  Grosses  und 
Glanzendes  fur  die  deutsche  Nation  in  diesen  Freiheitslanden  er- 
stehen  soil,  so  muss  diese  Gesellschaft  es  werden.  Sie  tragt  den 


2o  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Charakter  des  Grossartigen  an  sich.  Sie  ist  eine  reife  Geburt  des 
jetzigen  ereignissreichen  Zeitgeistes,  —  durch  sie  ist  an's  Licht  ge- 
treten,  was  in  alien  deutschen  Gemiithern  verbor,gen  lebte  und  dun- 
kel  gefiihlt  ward. 

Einigung  der  Deutschen  in  Nordamerika,  und  dadurch  die  Be- 
grundung  eines  neuen  deutschen  Vaterlandes  —  das  ist  die  hohe 
Aufgabe  unserer  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft !  Danach  muss,  danach 
soil  sie  streben  aus  alien  ihren  Kraften  und  mit  alien  ihren  Mitteln. 
In  der  Ausfiihrung  des  ganzen  grossen  Planes  muss  Jeder  die  Be- 
griindung  seines  eigenen  Gliickes  finden.  Dann  kann,  dann  muss, 
dann  wird  die  Sache  gedeihen  zum  Ruhme  und  zum  Wohle  der 
grossen  deutschen  Nation  in  Amerika's  freiem  Schosse."11 

At  an  extra  session  of  the  newly  elected  officers,  two  days 
after  the  new  constitution  took  effect,  it  was  decided  to  take  steps 
to  make  the  movement  general  in  the  United  States.  The 
minutes  record  this  resolution: 

"Der  Verwaltungsrath  der  deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft 
ersucht  diejenigen,  welche  Antheil  an  dieser  Gesellschaft  nehmen 
wollen,  und  namentlich  die  deutschen  Einwohner  Baltimore's,  New 
York's,  Pittsburgh  etc.  Zweig-Vereine  zu  griinden,  die  im  Geiste 
unserer  Constitution  handeln,  die  Geschafte  dort  thun,  und  die  Theil- 
nahme  an  dieser  Gesellschaft  dem  Publikum  erleichtern,  die  Gelder 
empfangen,  der  Central-Gesellschaft  uberliefern  und  dafiir  Actien 
vom  Verwaltungsrathe  erhalten." 

The  growth  was  indeed  most  encouraging.  Less  than  two 
weeks  after  formal  organization  350  shares  had  been  sold.  Under 
the  date  of  September  loth  the  secretary  (who  was  also  the  edi 
tor  of  the  official  organ  of  the  society)  comments  thus: 

"Wir  freuen  uns  unsern  Lesern  mittheilen  zu  konnen,  dass  diese 
Gesellschaft  einen  solchen  Fortgang  nimmt,  der  unsere  Erwar- 
tungen  weit  ubertrifft.  .  .  .  Wir  hoffen  und  wiinschen,  dass  sie 
in  diesem  Geiste  fortfahren  und  ein  Bruder  den  andern  auffordern 
moge,  zu  diesem  grossen  Zwecke  nach  Kraften  beizutragen.  .  .  . 
Mit  Recht  diirfen  wir  erwarten,  dass  unsere  auswartigen  Bruder 
Zweig-Vereine  griinden  und  alles  aufbieten  werden  zu  diesem  scho- 
nen  Zwecke  nach  Kraften  mitzuwirken." 


u  Alte  und  Neue  Welt,  Sept.  3,  1836.    This  paper  will  hereafter  be  refer 
red  to  as  A.  &  N.  W. 


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And  its  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri.  2 1 

2.  VARIOUS  OPINIONS  REGARDING  THE  SOCIETY. 

That  the  movement  caused  a  great  stir  among  the  Germans 
in  all  sections  of  this  country,  as  well  as  in  Europe,  is  attested 
by  the  great  number  of  press  notices  it  received.  Not  all  of 
these  comments  were  favorable — far  from  it.  Nevertheless  they 
prove  that  the  public  was  interested. 

Immediately  after  the  organization  of  the  society  the  Allge- 
meine  Zeitung  of  New  York  comments  on  the  wisdom  and  far 
sightedness  of  the  organization.  It  approves  most  heartily  the 
scheme  of  forming  a  stock  company  for  this  laudable  enterprise. 
It  recommends  it  warmly  to  all  Germans.  The  editor  enumer 
ates  its  advantages  in  these  enthusiastic  terms: 

"Betrachten  wir  die  Vereinigten  Staaten  in  ihrem  jetzigen  Auf- 
bliihen,  in  dem  beispiellosen  Fortschreiten  aller  ihrer  volksthum- 
lichen  Unternehmungen,  und  erwagen  wir  dabei,  wie  viel  Antheil 
daran  die  Deutschen  haben  und  wie  wenig  sie  im  Grunde  davon 
geniessen,  wenn  wir  uns  den  Deutschen  als  Deutschen  denken; 
ziehen  wir  ferner  in  Betracht,  wie  das  Bestreben  der  Deutschen  nach 
und  nach  erwacht,  um  sich  ihre  Rechte  als  Burger  zu  sichern,  um 
ihre  herrliche  Sprache  zu  erhalten  und  da,  wo  die  Mehrzahl  Deutsche 
sind,  vor  den  Gerichtshofen  geltend  zu  machen,  so  mussen  wir  bei 
der  Masse  der  hier  zu  Lande  lebenden  Deutschen  und  bei  dem  steten 
Drange  der  Einwanderungen,  eine  Gesellschaft,  wie  die  obige  ist, 
als  eine  sehr  erfreuliche,  als  eine  hochst  zeitgemasse  Erscheinung 
betrachten.  Sie  giebt  den  hier  Wohnenden  eine  Gelegenheit,  sich 
naher  zu  verbinden,  die  Elemente  des  deutschen  Lebens  zu  unter- 
stiitzen  und  zu  verbreiten,  wissenschaftliches  Bestreben  zu  fordern, 
jedes  Grosse  und  Scheme,  so  weit  es  hier  anwendbar  ist,  vom  Vater- 
lande  hierher  zu  verpflanzen,  dem  deutschen  Einwanderer  gleich  bei 
seinem  Eintritt  in  die  Vereinigten  Staaten  eine  Heimath  anzuweisen, 
wo  er  sich  heimischer,  als  alleinstehend,  fiihlt,  und  wo  ihm  bei  Fleiss 
und  Sparsamkeit  ein  Wirkungskreis  angewiesen  wird,  in  welchem 
er  sich  bald  eine  Unabhangigkeit  zu  erwerben  vermag,  welches, 
muss  er  erst  lange  darnach  suchen,  ihm  oft  schwer  fallt.  Wir 
kennen  den  Stand  der  deutschen  Einwanderer,  wir  wissen,  welche 
Kampfe  ihrer  oft  warten  und  wie  Viele  im  Kampfe  erliegen.  An 
ders  wird  es  sein,  wenn  er  weiss,  dass  er  einer  Colonie  zueilt,  wo  er 
befreundete  Seelen  findet,  welche  ihn  mit  Rath  und  That  unter- 
stiitzen  konnen."12 


"A.  und  N.  W.,  of  Sept.  17,  1836. 


22  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

The  Freiheitsfreund  of  Chambersburg,  Pa.,  supports  the 
movement  in  these  words: 

"Die  Deutsche  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  hat  gewiss  die  Auf- 
merksamkeit  aller  Deutschen  und  Abkommlinge  von  Deutschen  auf 
sich  gezogen  und  durch  das  Grossartige  des  Unternehmens  und 
durch  die  Vortheile  die  fur  den  Reichen  sowohl  als  fur  den  Armen 
daraus  zu  fliessen  versprechen,  ist  wohl  jedes  biedere  deutsche  Herz 
mit  Wonne  und  stolzem  Nationalgefiihl  beseelt  worden.  Durch  ein 
thatiges  und  strengvereintes  Zusammenwirken  der  Deutschen  muss 
das  wohl  durchdachte  und  weislich  geordnete  Unternehmen  gedei- 
hen  und  fur  uns  und  unsere  Kinder  die  herrlichsten  Friichte  brin- 
gen.  Selbst  dem  Aermsten  ist  Gelegenheit  gegeben,  daran  Antheil 
zu  nehmen.  Kann  er  sich  keine  Actie  kaufen,  so  kann  er  sich  eine 
durch  Fleiss  und  Sparsamkeit  verdienen."13 

From  Lancaster,  Ohio,  we  find  a  letter,14  not  so  unreserv 
edly  enthusiastic.  This  letter  is  signed,  "Freunde  der  Ansied 
lungs-Gesellschaft."  The  writers  are  somewhat  informed  as  to 
the  purpose  of  the  society.  They  express  themselves  as  ready  to 
support  it.  But  they  entertain  some  doubts,  which  they  desire 
to  have  dispersed,  and  some  wishes  they  would  have  considered. 
Their  inquiries  were  not  kindly  received  by  the  Philadelphians. 
Nevertheless  there  was  more  saneness  in  their  doubts  than  the 
society  would  admit.  They  spoke  as  men  who  had  endured  the 
hardships  and  privations  of  pioneer  life  themselves.  Experience 
had  taught  them  many  a  valuable  lesson.  They  wanted  to  know 
how  the  society  proposed  to  carry  out  its  lofty  plans,  when 
brought  face  to  face  with  facts  and  reality.  They  abandoned 
the  visionary  views  and  brought  in  figures  to  substantiate  their 
claims.  It  appears  that  the  plan  of  the  society  was  not  accurately 
understood,  for  these  same  Ohioans  fear  "eine  Gesellschaft  a  la 
Rapp."  They  also  raised  the  very  important  question  how  the 
members  living  outside  of  Philadelphia  should  be  enabled  to  vote 
on  vital  questions.  If  the  society  attained  to  the  importance  its 


UA.  und  N.  W.,  of  Sept.  17,  1836. 
"  A.  und  N.  W.t  of  Oct.  I,  1836. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann ,    Missouri.  23 

supporters  prophesied  for  it,  it  must  be  self-evident  that  the 
greater  number  of  members  must  live  away  from  the  mother 
society.  These  and  other  suggestions  and  queries,  which  we  be 
lieve  were  made  in  all  sincerity,  aroused  the  displeasure  of  the 
Philadelphians,  and  called  forth  a  cutting,  and,  as  it  appears  to 
us,  unmerited  rebuke.  Perhaps  the  best  suggestion  they  offered 
was  that  the  greatest  care  should  be  given  to  choose  an  advan 
tageous  location  for  the  settlement.  In  another  part  of  this 
work  it  will  be  shown  how  vital  this  question  was.  The  com 
munication  concludes  thus : 

"Man  wahle  eine  gute  Lage,  gesundes  Klima,  gutes  Land ;  man 
biete  den  deutschen  Ansiedlern  reelle  Vortheile  an,  und  die  Popu- 
laritat  des  Planes  thut  alles  Uebrige."15 

Many  letters  appear  containing  the  tone  of  the  communica 
tion  of  Carl  Backhaus  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio: 

"Welches  deutsche  Gemiith  sollte  nicht  mit  ganzem  Eifer  der 
Seele  zur  Griindung  einer  Anstalt  behiilflich  sein  wollen,  in  deren 
wirklichem  und  baldigem  Entstehen  allein  die  sicherste  Biirgschaft 
liegt,  deutschen  Fleiss,  deutsche  Geschicklichkeit  und  vor  Allem 
deutsche  Biederkeit,  Redlichkeit  und  Treue,  so  wie  das  kostlichste, 
unsere  theure  Muttersprache,  unverfalscht  und  rein  unsern  Nach- 
kommen  hinterlassen  zu  konnen?"16 

We  could  heap  up  evidence  of  the  interest  aroused  for  the 
undertaking.  We  shall,  however,  content  ourselves  with  citing 
only  a  few  more  instances. 

The  Anzeiger  des  Westens,  of  St.  Louis,  was  not  a  strong 
supporter  of  the  society.  This  is  shown  by  an  article  of  October 
I,  1836,  in  which  its  tone  is  far  from  being  complimentary.  This 
may  have  been  due  to  the  fact  that  Illinois  was  then  favorably 
discussed  as  the  site  of  the  colony.  At  a  later  time  the  Anzeiger 


"A.  und  N.  W.,  of  Oct.  i,  1836. 
UA.  und  N.  W.,  of  Oct.  22,  1836. 


24  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

stepped  into  line  with  the  enthusiastic  defenders  and  supporters 
of  the  society. 

In  the  New  Yorker  Staatszeitung  the  organization  found, 
from  the  first,  a  bitter  opponent.  In  number  52  of  the  year  1836 
this  paper  issued  an  article  whose  basic  thought  might  well  be 
expressed  in  these  terse  words: 

"Alles  was  besteht 

1st  werth  dass  es  zu  Grunde  geht." 

This  paper  seems  to  have  remained  the  avowed  enemy  of 
the  society.  Its  scathing  articles  elicited  the  bitterest  sort  of 
replies  on  the  part  of  the  supporters  of  the  plan.  It  does  not 
stand  to  reason  that  such  a  position,  by  a  strong  press,  should 
not  irreparably  injure  the  undertaking,  particularly  in  New 
York,  a  stronghold  of  German  Americans,  and  that  at  a  time 
when  perfect  harmony  and  united,  quick  action  was  most  essen 
tial  to  its  success. 

It  will  be  interesting  to  note  how  this  movement  was  looked 
upon  by  the  European  Germans.  /We  fortunately  have  pre 
served  in  the  A  lie  und  Neue  Welt  the  expressions  of  at  least  two 
prominent  individuals.  One  is  a  letter  by  Dr.  J.  Fr.  Hennicke, 
editor  of  Der  Allgemeine  Anzeiger  der  Deutschen  in  Gotha. 
The  letter  was  addressed  to  J.  G.  Wesselhoeft.  It  reads  as  fol 
lows: 

"Ihre  freundliche  Zuschrift  vom  28.  Januar,  die  am  9.  Marz 
in  meinen  Handen  war,  hat  mich  sehr  erfreut  und  ich  sage  Ihnen 
dafiir  meinen  verbindlichen  Dank.  Wie  sehr  ich  die  edlen  Bemii- 
hungen  der  Deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  zu  wiirdigen  und 
ihren  menschenfreundlichen  Zweck  zu  beurtheilen  weiss,  ist  einiger- 
massen  aus  meiner  Nachschrift  ersichtlich.  Mochten  doch  deutsche 
Regierungen  oder  wenigstens  einzelne  edle  Deutsche  die  Wichtig- 
keit  des  Unternehmens  einsehen  und  es  kraftig  zu  unterstutzen 
suchen.  Ich  fur  meinen  Wirkungskreis  werde  Manner  von  Einsicht 
und  Einfluss  darauf  aufmerksam  machen  und  ich  habe  damit  bereits 
begonnen." 


11  A.  und  N.  W.,  of  June  9,  1838. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  25 

In  the  columns  of  his  paper  Hennicke  comments  most  favor 
ably.  After  publishing  a  circular  sent  out  by  the  Board  of  Man 
agers  at  Philadelphia,  he  continues  thus: 

"Die  von  menschenfreundlichen  Deutschen  in  Philadelphia  ge- 
stiftete  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  beabsichtigt  einen  hohen,  edlen 
Zweck,  welcher  der  kraftigen  Unterstutzung,  nicht  nur  von  Seiten 
gemeinnutzig  denkender  Deutschen,  sondern  auch  einzelner  Staats- 
regierungen,  aus  deren  Gebieten  jahrlich  zahlreiche  Schaaren,  ohne 
durchdachten  Plan  und  nur  auf  gut  Gluck,  nach  Nordamerika  aus- 
wandern,  in  mehreren,  hier  nicht  naher  zu  bezeichnenden  Riick- 
sichten,  wiirdig  ist.  Die  Bemiihungen  jener  Gesellschaft  verdienen 
aber  um  so  mehr  die  dankbarste  Anerkennung  und  thatige  Unter 
stutzung,  da  ahnliche,  in  Deutschland,  namentlich  in  Sachsen  und 
in  Hessen-Darmstadt,  vorziiglich  in  Dresden  wiederholt  versuchte 
Unternehmungen  ohne  erwiinschten  Erfolg  geblieben  sind.  Gleich- 
wohl  verdienen  die  vielen  Tausende,  die  jahrlich  nach  Amerika  aus- 
wandern,  die  leitende  und  unterstiitzende  Hand  der  Regierungen. 
Vielleicht  entschliesst  sich  noch  eine  oder  die  andere,  in  die  von 
Dresden  aus  mitgetheilten  und  im  Allgemeinen  Anzeiger  der  Deut 
schen  vollstandig  bekannt  gemachten  gemeinniitzigen  Ansiedlungs- 
plane  einzugehen  und  sie  entweder  in  ihrem  ganzen  Umfange  oder 
nach  ihren  wesentlichen  Theilen  in  Ausfiihrung  zu  bringen.  Was 
der  edle  William  Penn  im  Jahre  1681  so  grossartig,  thatig  und  mit 
glucklichem  Erfolg  begann,  das  sucht  nun  in  unseren  Zeiten  eine 
Gesellschaft  biederer  Manner  nach  einem  durchdachten,  menschen 
freundlichen  Plane  fortzusetzen."18 

A  communication  by  Advokat  F.  G.  Sprewitz,  of  Lauen- 
burg  on  the  Elbe,  will  be  inserted  later  in  its  proper  place. 

3.  GROWTH  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 

From  the  consideration  of  what  the  public  thought  of  the 
organization  we  pass  on  to  a  study  of  its  inner  and  outer  devel 
opment. 

The  Administrative  Board  (Verwaltungs-Rath),  which 
was  provided  by  the  constitution,  was  elected,  as  was  pointed  out, 
on  August  27,  1836.  Their  first  meeting  was  held  on  September 


A.  und  N.  W.,  of  June  9,  1838. 


26  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

7th.     At  this  meeting  they  effected  their  inner  organization  by 
electing  the  following  officers: 

J.  C.  Viereck,  Vorsitzer; 

F.   W.   L.   Kiderlen,  Sprecher; 

W.  H.  Leupold,  Sekretair. 

Just  what  the  duties  of  the  " Sprecher"  were  cannot  be 
stated.  Perhaps  he  had  some  of  the  powers  of  an  attorney.  The 
city  register  of  that  time  gives  Mr.  Kiderlen's  name  as  member 
of  the  firm  of  Kiderlen  &  Stollmeyer,  book  sellers. 

The  first  duty  which  this  body  considered  was  the  safe  de 
posit  of  the  funds  of  the  society.  It  was  unanimously  agreed  to 
recommend  to  the  main  body  that  the  money  be  placed  in  the 
Girard  Trust  Company,  "wegen  ihrer  anerkannten  Solidete," 
and  because  it  was  said  "dass  einer  der  Gehulfen  in  besagter 
Anstalt  'Deutsch'  sprache."  This  recommendation,  however, 
was  not  acted  upon  favorably  until  November  3d,  when  the  soci 
ety  voted  to  remove  the  funds  from  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania  to 
the  Girard  Trust  Company. 

Inflated  by  the  many  favorable  reports  that  came  in,  and 
foreseeing  unprecedented  prosperity,  the  members  believed  that 
Congress  would  be  only  too  willing  to  lend  a  helping  hand.  Ac 
cordingly,  on  September  26th,  Mr.  Kiderlen  offered  the  follow 
ing  motion : 

"Dass  die  Gesellschaft  bei  dem  Congress  darum  nachsuchen 
solle,  dass  dieser  ihr  soviel  Congressland,  als  die  Gesellschaft  wiin- 
sche  und  wo  sie  es  wiinsche,  auf  Credit  verkaufen  moge." 

Only  the  intercession  of  a  Congressman  from  Pennsylvania, 
who  was  a  friend  of  the  society,  prevented  the  blunder  of  such 
an  appeal.  This  resolution  confirmed  again  what  was  said  con 
cerning  the  opinion  of  the  possibilities  of  this  undertaking. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  question  of  branch  societies 
was  early  and  frequently  discussed.  As  early  as  November  3, 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  27 

1836,  we  meet  with  the  confirmation  that  an  auxiliary  was  estab 
lished  at  Albany,  New  York.  And  later  in  the  same  month  Bal 
timore  reports  a  like  organization.  Concerning  the  inner  work 
ings  of  the  Albany  branch  we  are,  unfortunately,  left  almosit 
totally  uninformed.  Some  of  the  minutes  of  the  Baltimore  soci 
ety  have  come  down  to  us.  We  know  the  Baltimore  officers  to 
have  been  Christoph  A.  Medinger,  President;  G.  H.  Mittnacht, 
Secretary;  Johannes  Berger,  Treasurer.  Most  of  these  men  be 
came  quite  prominent  in  the  society  later  on.  At  a  later  period 
Pittsburg  also  had  a  branch  society. 

The  auxiliaries  were,  of  course,  under  the  restrictions  of  the 
general  constitution.  Regarding  the  disposition  of  the  money 
collected  by  the  auxiliaries  for  shares,  etc.,  the  Board  of  Man 
agers  passed  the  following  order  on  November  1 7th : 

"Sobald  eine  Summe  von  wenigstens  Einhundert  Dollars  einge- 
gangen  ist,  soil  ein  Bank  Check  of  New  York,  payable  to  the  Presi 
dent  of  the  German  Settlement  Society  Julius  Leupold  or  order  — 
eingesandt  werden :  woriiber  nach  specifirter  Angabe  der  respectiven 
Namen,  in  der  deutschen  Zeitung  Neue  und  Alte  Welt  quittirt  wer 
den  soil." 

Great  activity  was  also  manifested  in  New  Orleans,  Mon 
treal,  Cleveland,  Cincinnati  and  other  cities  of  the  Union,  but  we 
have  no  proof  that  other  auxiliaries  than  the  three  above-named 
existed. 

Early  in  December  of  1836  the  Board  of  Managers  recom 
mended  most  heartily  the  advertising  of  the  plan  of  colonization 
through  the  medium  of  newspapers  in  Germany.  The  thirteen 
publications  which  they  regarded  as  best  adapted  to  these  adver 
tisements  were  the  following: 

Die  Bremer  Zeitung, 

Der  Hamburger  Correspondent, 

Die  Dorfzeitung, 

Anzeiger  der  Deutschen  in  Gotha, 

Das  Frankfurter  Journal, 


28  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Der  Schwdbische  Merkur, 
Die  Augsburger  Allg.  Zeitung, 
Der  Schweizerbote, 
Die  Speyrer  Zeitung, 
Die  Preussische  Staatszeitung, 
Elberf elder  Zeitung, 
Breslauer  Zeitung, 
Karlsruher  Zeitung. 

The  main  body  sanctioned  this  plan,  but  decided  to  delay 
its  execution  until  the  purchase  of  property  had  been  effected. 

Previous  to  this,  Nos.  43-45  of  the  Alte  und  Neue  Welt 
of  1836  contain  a  most  interesting  article  enumerating  the  pos 
sible  and  probable  advantages  accruing  from  sharing  in  this 
undertaking.  It  was  signed  by  the  president  and  secretary  and 
the  nine  members  of  the  Board  of  Managers.  At  its  close  this 
request  was  subjoined: 

"Alle  deutschen  Zeitungen  werden  ersticht  obige  Anzeige  fur 
2  Thaler  3  Mai  in  ihre  resp.  Blatter  einzuriicken." 

After  pointing  out  that  the  society  had  been  making  slow 
but  sure  and  successful  advancement,  the  article  said : 

"Daher  laden  wir  alle  deutschen  Briider  aller  Orten  freund- 
lichst  ein  Mitglieder  dieser  grossartigen  National-Unternehmung  zu 
werden."19 

The  chief  advantages  of  this  society  over  others,  this  ar 
ticle  proceeds  to  delineate  under  four  principal  heads : 

i.  Absolute  equality  of  the  rights  and  privileges  of  all 
members. 

Detailed  under  this  head  stands  this: 

"Jedes  Mitglied  der  Gesellschaft  bekommt  ausser  einer  eigen- 


"  A.  und  N.  W.,  of  Oct.  22,  1836. 


And  its  Colony,   Hermann,  Missouri.  29 

thiimlichen  Stadtlotte  fur  jede  Actie  noch  das  Miteigenthum  am 
ganzen  Vermogen  der  Gesellschaft,  durch  welches  nicht  nur  eine 
Menge  Vortheile  durch  gemeinschaftliche  Anlagen  von  Dorfschaf- 
ten,  Fabriken,  Manufacturen,  Schulen  u.  s.  w.,  sondern  hochst  wahr- 
scheinlich  auch  eine  immerwahrende  Freiheit  von  Taxen  und  Schul- 
geld  fur  alle  Mitglieder  bewirkt  werden  kann." 

2.  The  number  of  participants  which  \this  movement  is  sure 
to  have: 

"Je  schneller  und  starker  die  Bevolkerung  einer  Gegend  wachst, 
und  besonders  eine  fleissige  und  ausdauernde  Bevolkerung  wie  die 
deutsche,  desto  raschere  Fortschritte  macht  sie  an  Reichthum  und 
Bluthe." 

3.  The  capital  of  the  society  is  always  secure,  being  in 
vested  in  real  estate: 

"Die  Mitglieder  der  Gesellschaft  haben  daher  nie  Grund  zu  be- 
furchten,  dass  je  ihre  Einlage  konnte  verloren  gehen  —  dagegen 
haben  sie  vollen  Grund  zu  hoffen,  dass  ihr  Kapital  mehr  als  tausend 
Procent  Zinsen  tragen  wird!" 

4.  The  poor  man  can  pay  for  his  shares  by  working  for  the 
society. 

Early  in  1837  steps  were  taken  to  become  incorporated  un 
der  the  laws  of  the  Staite  of  Pennsylvania. 

The  question  of  prime  importance  appeared  now  to  be  the 
acquisition  of  land.  This  is  but  natural,  for  upon  this  choice 
depended,  in  a  great  measure,  the  success  or  failure  of  the  enter 
prise.  It  was  evident  that  many  persons  declined  to  join  because 
the  site  for  the  colony  had  not  been  determined  upon.  It  became 
difficult  to  solicit  new  shareholders,  and  also  difficult  to  hold 
those  members  who  were  growing  lukewarm.  Illinois,  Indiana, 
Pennsylvania  and  Missouri  had  long  been  considered  as  having 
suitable  locations.  On  January  5,  1837,  the  Province  Tamulipas 
in  Old  Merico  was  recommended  to  the  society.  A  committee 
of  nine  investigated  the  claims  of  this  locality,  and  reported 
favorably  on  the  strength  of  the  information  at  their  command, 


30  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

but  recommended  more  minute  inquiry.  This  action  did  not  find 
favor  with  President  Leupold,  however.  Quite  autocratically 
he  ruled  that  further  inquiry  be  dispensed  with,  holding  it  as  the 
opinion,  "es  sei  nie  der  Plan  der  Gesellschaft  gewesen  eine  An- 
siedlung  ausserhalb  der  Vereinigten  Staaten  zu  griinden."  For 
this  dictatorial,  flat-footed  decision  he  was  compelled  to  offer 
apologies  later.  Nevertheless  he  succeeded  in  checking,  most 
effectually,  all  attempts  to  extend  the  landed  interests  of  the 
society  beyond  the  borders  of  the  United  States.  After  this  ab 
rupt  and  rather  disagreeable  decision,  which  almost  had  the 
result  of  bringing  about  a  serious  rupture  between  the  rulers 
and  the  ruled  of  the  society,  the  Verwaltungs-Rath  issued  the 
following  recommendation : 

"Nach  naherer  Priifung  und  Ueberlegung,  nach  Erwagung  der 
Vor-  und  Nachtheile  des  Bodens,  Climas,  Communication  etc.  kam 
der  Verwaltungs-Rath  zu  dem  Resultate,  dass  alle  anderen  Kosten 
zu  sparen  und  folgende  Staaten  nur  zu  bereisen  ihm  als  zweck- 
massig  erscheine :  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Arkansas,  Missouri,  Illinois, 
Wisconsin,  Indiana,  der  ostliche  Theil  Michigan's  und  der  westliche 
Theil  New  York's." 

Early  in  March,  C.  G.  Ritter  was  commissioned  to  go  to 
Washington  to  confer  with  certain  land  agents,  but  more  partic 
ularly  to  make  inquiry  at  the  government  land  office  and  even  to 
apply  to  Congress  for  information  and  to  actually  appeal  for  its 
assistance.  It  will  be  recalled  that  Mr.  Ritter  was  one  of  the 
deputies  elected  on  August  27,  1836.  Hence  the  action  of  this 
body  was  stayed  until  his  return.  He  returned  on  the  nth  of 
March  and  reported  to  the  Board  of  Managers.  He  had  gained 
much  valuable  information,  but,  as  a  matter  of  course,  had  not 
interviewed  the  Congress  of  the  United  States.  Now  the  society 
decided,  encouraged  by  recent  information,  to  authorize  the 
deputies  to  visit  these  States  and  Territories,  viz. :  Illinois,  In 
diana,  Missouri,  Michigan,  Wisconsin.  It  was  also  urged  that 
the  representatives  set  out  on  their  long  and  difficult  journey  in 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  31 

the  early  part  of  April,  "da  Aufschub  nur  Erkaltung  zu  Folge 
haben  wiirde."  Dr.  Wm.  Schmoele,  G.  F.  Bayer  and  Fr.  Klett 
were  appointed  to  draft  a  set  of  instructions  for  the  government 
of  the  deputies. 

On  April  14,  1837,  tnev  set  out  on  tneir  wearisome  journey. 
They  departed  with  this  last  word  of  instruction  from  the  Board 
of  Managers : 

"Beschlossen :  Dass  die  Deputirten  zuerst  in  die  Gegend  des 
Wabash  gehen,  um  die  Landereien  daselbst  in  Augenschein  zu  neh- 
men,  und  von  dort  aus  direkt  nach  dem  Staate  Missouri,  wo  sie  ent- 
weder  von  Jefferson  City,  oder  von  St.  Louis  aus  an  den  Verwal- 
tungs-Rath  Bericht  erstatten  sollen,  wie  das  Resultat  ihrer  Unter- 
suchungen  in  den  Staaten  Indiana,  Illinois  und  Missouri  ausgefal- 
len  ist" 

The  following  are  the  instructions  of  the  deputies,  sub 
scribed  to  by  the  parties  concerned: 

Instruction  fur  die  reisenden  Deputirten  der  Deutschen  Ansied- 

lungs-  G  es  ells  c  haft. 

Da  Sie  seit  der  Griindung  der  Gesellschaft  Mitglieder  derselben 
waren  und  daher  Gelegenheit  hatten,  mit  dem  Geiste,  dem  Streben, 
so  wie  den  gegenwartigen  und  kiinftigen  Mitteln  der  Gesellschaft 
sich  genau  bekannt  zu  machen;  so  wird  von  Ihnen  vorausgesetzt, 
dass  Sie  den  Endzweck  Ihrer  Sendung  vollkommen  richtig  ver- 
stehen. 

Ihr  Auftrag  ist  kurz  follgender: 

vSie  sollen  in  den  durch  einen  Beschluss  der  Gesellschaft  vom 
16.  Marz  bestimmten  und  namhaft  gemachten  Staaten  und  Terri- 
torien  namlich :  Indiana,  Illinois,  Missouri,  Wisconsin  und  Michigan, 
einen  fur  die  Ansiedlung  der  Gesellschaft  passenden  Landstrich  auf- 
suchen  und  den  moglichst  vortheilhaften  Ankauf  desselben  nach  ein- 
geholter  Instruction  vom  Verwaltungs-Rathe,  einleiten. 

Den  Plan  fur  Ihre  Reise,  die  Wahl  und  Lage  des  Landes  und 
alle  andern  dahin  sich  beziehenden  Punkte  mussen  Ihnen,  als  den 
auserwahlten  Sachverstandigen  zur  Bestimmung  uberlassen  bleiben. 

In  formeller  Hinsicht  hat  der  Verwaltungs-Rath  die  Bestim 
mung  gemacht,  Ihnen  die  genaue  Fuhrung  eines  Tagebuches  iiber 
alle  Ihre  Arbeiten,  Reisen,  Ansichten  und  Urtheile  in  Beziehung  auf 
ihre  Sendung  zur  Pflicht  zu  machen. 


32  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Ferner  sind  Sie  beauftragt,  so  oft  Sie  es  fur  nothwendig  er- 
achten,  mindestens  aber  alle  8  Tage  ein  Mai,  Bericht  zu  erstatten. 

Hinsichtlich  Ihrer  Ausgaben  und  Reisekosten  haben  Sie  sich 
an  die  von  der  Gesellschaft  gemachten  Bestimmimgen  zu  halten, 
namlich  f  olgende : 

i.)  Laut  Beschluss  der  Gesellschaft  vom  25.  Marz  erhalten  Sie 
alle  drei  bei  Ihrer  Abreise  baar  $450.00  (vierhundert  und  fiinfzig 
dollars),  also  jeder  $150.00  und  konnen  Sie  ausserdem  durch  eine 
Bank  in  St.  Louis  oder  Cincinnati  $450.00  beziehen. 

2.)  Laut  Beschluss  der  Gesellschaft  vom  6.  April  erhalt  ein 
jeder  von  Ihnen  $5.00  per  Tag  wahrend  Ihrer  Reise  von  der  Ge 
sellschaft. 

3.)  Alle  Extra- Auslagen  oder  Opfer,  welche  Sie  bei  provisori- 
scher  Abschliessung  von  Contracten  fiir  die  Gesellschaft  zu  bringen 
fiir  nothig  erachten  werden,  sollen  Ihnen  von  der  Gesellschaft  wieder 
vergiitet  werden,  jedoch  diirfen  diese  Auslagen  nicht  die  Summe 
von  $500.00  (fiinf  hundert  dollars)  iibersteigen. 

4.)  Sie  werden  angewiesen,  bei  Auswahl  des  Landes  nur  Grund- 
eigenthum  im  Bereich  eines  schifbaren  Flusses  zu  beriicksichtigen, 
und  von  diesem  Lande  muss  wenigstens  so  viel  am  Flusse  selbst  ge- 
legen  sein,  um  darauf  eine  Handelsstadt  griinden  zu  konnen. 

5.)  Sie  haben  nur  auf  eine  Strecke  Landes  zu  reflectiren,  welche 
nicht  weniger  als  25,000  (fiinf  und  zwanzig  tausend)  Acker  in  sich 
fasst. 

6.)  Zur  Bestreitung  der  Ihnen  wahrend  Ihrer  Reise  vorste- 
henden  Auslagen  wird  Ihnen  vom  Verwaltungs-Rathe  ein  Credit 
von  $950.00  (dollars  neun  hundred  und  fiinfzig)  in  St.  Louis  oder 
Cincinnati  eroflnet. 

7.)  Sie  werden  angewiesen  in  jedem  Ihrer  Brief e  dem  Ver 
waltungs-Rathe  zu  bemerken  an  welchem  Orte  Sie  dessen  Antwor- 
ten  entgegensehen  wollen. 

8.)  Sie  werden  angewiesen  bei  der  Auswahl  des  Landes  beson- 
ders  zu  beriicksichtigen,  dass  Getreide-  Wein-  und  Obstbau,  wie 
Vieh-  und  Schafzucht  mit  Vortheil  betrieben  werden  konnen. 

Zu  Ihrer  Organisation  soil  nach  Ihrer  eigenen  Wahl  ein  Mit- 
glied  als  Vorsitzer  Ihre  Berathungen  und  Untersuchungen  leiten, 
ein  anderes  als  buchfiihrender  und  das  dritte  als  correspondirender 
Secretair  agiren. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann ,  Missouri.  33 

Diese  Instructionen  sind  in  duplo  ausgefertigt  und  von  beiden 
Theilen  wohl  verstanden  und  genehmigt  worden. 
So  gesohehen.    Philadelphia  am  loten  April  1837. 

/.  Leupold,  President. 

/.  G.  Wesselhoeft,  Secretair. 

Adam  Schmidt,   Schatzmeister. 

G.  F.  Bayer, 

J .  C.  Viereck, 


E.  W.  Wohlein, 
Wm.  F  curing, 
C.  Staffhorst, 

C.  Ferentheil, 
C.  G.  Ritter, 

F.  L.  C.  Gebhard, 


Verwaltungs-Rath. 


Deputirte. 


With  the  departure  of  the  deputies  enthusiasm  was  more 
aglow  than  ever.  An  actual  step  had  been  taken  towards  the  ac 
complishment  of  the  great  undertaking.  The  optimists  were 
now  certain  of  success.  The  pessimists  were  at  least  silenced. 

It  was  also  deemed  prudent  to  supplement  -the  constitution 
with  two  amendments.  Paragraph  II  was  now  made  to  read 
thus: 

"Die  Gesellschaft  wird  auf  Actien  gegriindet  von  welchen  jede 
im  ersten  Tausend  fiinfundzwanzig  und  jede  im  zweiten  dreissig 
Thaler  kosten  soil ;  jedoch  soil  NACH  Ankauf  des  Landes  der  Preis 
von  den  noch  nicht  verkauften  Actien  von  dem  Verwaltungs-Rathe 
vorgeschlagen  und  von  der  Gesellschaft  bestimmt  werden." 

This  was  done  on  May  the  4th,  1837.  On  July  6,  1837,  a 
much  more  radical  amendment  was  passed  upon: 

"Wo  es  erwiesen  werden  kann  dass  ein  Mitglied  zum  Nachtheil 
der  Gesellschaft  spricht,  schreibt  oder  druckt,  mit  einem  Wort,  der 
Gesellschaft  oder  ihrem  guten  Fortgang  zu  schaden  sucht,  soil  es 
der  Gesellschaft  frei  stehen,  ein  solches  Mitglied  —  wenn  es  die 
Mehrheit  wiinscht  —  aus  der  Gesellschaft  auszuschliessen.  Doch 
behalt  sich  die  Gesellschaft  vor,  iiber  die  Art  und  Weise  wie  dies 
geschehen  und  namentlich  wie  viel  einem  solchen  Mitglied  von  den 
eingezahlten  Geldern  abgezogen  werden  soil,  naher  zu  bestimmen." 


34  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

This  amendment  was  destined  to  cause  a  great  deal  of  un 
pleasantness  and  demanded  many  explanations.  For  instance, 
the  editor  of  the  Alte  und  Neue  Welt  was  compelled  to  write 
many  articles  in  its  defence.  One,  the  most  memorable,  he 
prefaces :  "Wer  reines  Herzens  ist,  hat  das  Gesetz  nicht  zu  fiirch- 
ten,  und  wer  seine  Stimme  in  die  Wagschale  der  Mehrheit  bei  der 
Gesetzgebung  legte,  hat  nicht  Ursache  iiber  Tyrannei  zu  kla- 
gen."20  The  point  of  contention  was,  of  course,  that  the  mem 
bers  interpreted  it  as  an  encroachment  on  their  freedom  of 
speech.  Though  much  was  said  for  and  against  it,  the  law  re 
mained  unchanged.  But  the  records  show  no  account  of  its 
enforcement  or  any  expulsions. 

The  instructions  required  the  deputies  to  report  at  least 
once  every  week  to  the  society.  Naturally  these  reports  were 
looked  forward  to  with  great  interest.  Their  first  letter  arrived 
from  Cincinnati  on  May  the  4th,  and  their  second  one  from 
St.  Louis  May  the  31  sit.  From  this  last  date  to  July  the  3d 
not  a  word  was  heard  from  the  men.  It  was  manifestly  impos 
sible  to  live  up  to  the  letter  of  their  instruction.  Their  investi 
gation  carried  them  far  from  all  established  mail  routes.  Per 
haps,  too,  they  did  not  have  much  to  report.  Their  friends  were, 
of  course,  much  concerned  as  to  their  welfare  and  whereabouts. 
The  Board  of  Managers  had  already  prepared  to  issue  a  call  of 
inquiry,  giving  minute  descriptions  of  the  men  and  stating  theX 
mission,  appealing  to  their  western  friends  for  co-operation  in 
clearing  up  this  mysterious  disappearance.  The  letter  of  July  3d 
explained  the  silence  completely.  It  was  evident  that  letters 
Nos.  3  and  4  had  been  lost  or  delayed.  The  content  of  these  let 
ters,  which  arrived  later,  was  kept  a  profound  secret.  Only  the 
Board  of  Managers  was  initiated  into  its  secrets.  Even  yet  we 
do  not  know  the  full  amount  of  information  or  description  they 
contained.  This  is  very  much  to  be  regretted.  Doubtless  they 


A.  und  N.  W.,  of  August  12,  1837. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann^  Missouri.  35 

contained  many  interesting  items.  But  unfortunately  they  are 
lost,  and  what  the  deputies  held  as  their  opinion  regarding  Illi 
nois,  Indiana,  or  any  other  region  they  may  have  visited,  must 
remain  a  secret.  In  their  final  report  not  a  syllable  occurs  to 
satisfy  our  curiosity  concerning  their  experiences. 

On  July  1 2th,  Ritter  and  Gebhard  returned.  Ferentheil, 
who  remained  on  business  in  Pittsburg,  was  delayed  four  days 
by  a  break  of  the  canal,  arriving  on  July  i6th. 

The  members  were,  of  course,  extremely  anxious  to  hear 
the  detailed  account  of  their  representatives.  Much  dissatisfac 
tion  prevailed  because  the  content  of  the  previous  reports  had 
been  withheld  from  them.  The  reason  for  withholding  the 
specific  information  from  the  general  public  was  well  founded. 
It  was  simply  to  prevent  conniving  land  agents  and  unprincipled 
speculators  from  foiling  their  plans.  This  was,  however,  not 
well  understood  by  the  members.  Many  of  them  were  only  too 
ready  to  suspect  foul  play.  On  July  i/th  the  deputies  submitted 
their  complete  report,  which  reads  as  follows : 

Allgcmeiner  Bericht  ilber  das  von  den  Deputirten  der  Deutschen 
Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  zur  Ansiedlung  als  geeignet  vorge- 
schlagene  Land. 

Das  Land  Hegt  im  Missouri  Staate,  an  zwey  schiffbaren  Fliis- 
sen.  JDas  zur  Anlage  einer  Stadt  am  besten  geeignete  Land  fangt 
auf  dem  rechten  Ufer  des  einen  Flusses,  etwa  5  Meilen  von  dessen 
Mundung  in  den  anderen  Fluss,  an.  Der  erstere  Fluss  wird  bis  jetzt 
nur  bis  auf  etwa  5  Meilen  von  dessen  Mundung  mit  Dampfschiffen 
befahren.  Im  Friihjahr  diirften  Dampfbote  auch  hoher  hinauf  gehen 
konnen,  doch  nur  eine  kurze  Zeit.  Versuche  sind  bis  daher  noch 
nicht  gemacht  worden.  Das  rechte  Ufer  dieses  Flusses  ist  bis  auf 
5  Meilen  von  dessen  Mundung  fast  durchgangig  so  hoch,  dass  es 
gegen  Ueberschwemmungen  gesichert  sein  soil,  wie  von  einem  20 
Jahre  an  diesem  Flusse  bereits  wohnenden  Manne  versichert  wurde, 
wenn  nicht  Wasserschwellungen,  wie  bei  Cincinnati  vor  einigen 
Jahren  der  Fall  war,  eintreten.  Oberhalb  stosst  an  das  eben  beschrie- 
bene  Land  ein  etwa  5  Meilen  langer  von  ^  bis  i  Meile  breiter  Bot 
tom.  An  der  Mundung  des  Flusses  fangen  steile,  steinigte  Ufer  an, 
die  sich  auch  an  dem  andern  Flusse  hinziehen.  Das  linke  Ufer  ist 


36  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

fast  durchgangig  niedriger  als  das  rechte  und  darum  auch  wenig 
geeignet  zur  Anlage  einer  Stadt.  Um  indess  fremden  Anlagen  nier- 
gends  Raum  zu  geben,  ist  nothwendig,  dass  sich  die  Gesellschaft 
nicht  nur  den  Besitz  beider  Ufer  des  Flusses,  von  dessen  Miindung 
bis  auf  etvva  9  Meilen  hinauf,  sichert,  sondern  sich  auch  den  Besitz 
des  Ufers  an  dem  andern  Flusse,  an  beiden  Seiten  der  Miindung  so 
weit  sichert,  dass  an  der  Miindung  nie  eine  fremde  Anlage  Platz 
nehmen  kann. 

Zunachst  dem  Flusse  ist  das  Land  bis  auf  eine  halbe  Meile  etwa 
durchschnittlich,  auf  dem  rechten  Ufer  meist  eben  und  sehr  gut. 
Auf  dem  linken  Ufer  sind  einige  kleine,  steile  Stellen.  Die  ganze 
Gegend  ist  ausserdem  gebrochen  und  zum  Theil  stark  hugelich.  An 
den  Bachen  findet  sich  iiberall  einiges  Bottom  Land.  Das  Hiigelland 
ist  theilweise  sehr  gut  und  so  auch  einige  grosse  Bergflachen,  wie 
der  Baumwuchs,  die  Baumarten  und  das  hin  und  wieder  gefundene 
Getreide  beweisen.  Ist  das  Land  nicht  iiberall  durchaus  giinstig 
fur  den  Ackerbau,  so  ist  es  um  so  besser  fur  Grasswuchs  und  also 
fur  die  Viehzucht.  Meist  in  dej  ganzen  Gegend  findet  sich  Kalk- 
stein.  Eisenerz  soil  viel  da  seyn.  Die  Bleimienen  sind  nicht  ent- 
fernt  und  also  moglich,  dass  sich  auch  in  der  besagten  Gegend  dieses 
Metall  findet.  Die  wenigen  in  der  Gegend  vorgefundenen  Obst- 
baume  haben  einen  sehr  guten  Wuchs.  Weinbau  wird  wahrschein- 
lich  gedeihen,  wenn  das  Land  mehr  angebaut  ist.  Quellen  sind  in 
dieser  Gegend  mehr  als  in  anderen  Gegenden.  An  dem  rechten 
Ufer,  da,  wo  die  Stadt  anzulegen  ist,  sind  nur  2  Platze,  die  zusammen 
220  Acker  messen  und  die  die  Eigner  fur  den  Preis  von  15  Doll, 
per  Acker  zum  Verkauf  anbieten,  aber  gewiss  mit  einem  geringeren 
Preis  zufrieden  seyn  werden. 

Ab  vom  Ufer  auf  4  und  mehreren  Meilen  liegen  nur  einige 
kleine  Farmereien,  welche  die  Gesellschaft  nicht  nothwendig  kaufen 
miisste ;  alles  andere  Land  ist  bis  auf  kleine  Strecken  Congress-Land. 
Im  siidlichen  Theile  des  Counties  sind  mehr  Ansiedlungen,  aber  auch 
da  ist  noch  viel  Congressland  vorhanden.  Auf  dem  linken  Ufer,  das 
Bottom-Land  atn  Flusse  ausgenommen,  ist  das  Land  weniger  gut 
als  auf  dem  rechten  Ufer,  doch  ist  auch  da  noch  einiges  gute  Con 
gress-Land  zu  finden.  Am  linken  Ufer  des  Flusses  ist  eine  kleine 
Farm,  deren  Besitz  fur  die  Gesellschaft  wichtig  ist." 

Whether  the  deputies  did  or  did  not  follow  their  instruction 
to  visit  Michigan  and  Wisconsin  cannot  be  stated.  Neither  do 
we  know  what  was  the  result  of  their  investigation  along  the 
AVabash. 

Tt  is  indeed  an  interesting  problem  why  Missouri   should 


And  its  Colony,   Hermann,  Missouri.  37 

have  been  selected.  It  must  be  remembered  that  Missouri  was 
a  slave  state  and  that  the  German  mind  had  a  natural  antipathy 
for  the  institution  of  slavery.  Other  States,  in  free  territory, 
had  land  at  just  as  liberal  terms  as  Missouri.  It  must  not  be 
overlooked,  however,  that  one  prime  factor  in  the  instructions 
issued  to  the  agents  of  the  society  was  that  they  should  consider 
only  such  sections  as  were  adjacent  to  a  navigable  river.  For 
this  reason,  no  doubt,  the  Wabash  and  the  Missouri  were  speci 
fically  mentioned.  We  would  further  venture  the  assertion  that 
Missouri  was  more  in  the  public  mind  than  the  other  sections 
suggested  for  the  colony.  It  was  yet  on  the  very  frontier.  The 
struggle  which  ended  in  the  Missouri  Compromise  was  not 
forgotten.  The  Mormon  settlement  of  1832  in  western  Missouri 
gave  notoriety.  Undoubtedly  Gottfried  Duden's  idealized  ac 
count  of  his  paradisiacal  trans-Mississippi  home,  published  under 
the  ponderous  title :  "Bericht  ilber  erne  Reise  nach  den  westli- 
chen  Staaten  Nordamerikas  und  einem  mehrjdhrigen  Aufenthalt 
am  Missouri  (in  den  Jahren  1824,  25,  26  und  27)  in  Bezug  auf 
Auswanderung  und  Urbevolkerung,  oder:  Das  Leben  im  Inner  en 
der  Vereinigten  Staaten  und  dessen  Bedeutung  fur  die  hausliche 
und  politische  Lage  der  Europaer,  dargestellt,  a.)  in  einer 
Sammlung  von  Brief  en,  b.)  in  einer  besonderen  Abhandlung 
ilber  den  politischen  Zust'dnden  der  nordamerikanischen  Frei- 
staaten,  und  c.)  in  einem  rathgebenden  Nachtrag  fur  auswan- 
dernde  deutsche  Ackenvirthe  und  Diejenigen,  welche  auf  Hand- 
unternehmungen  denken,  von  Gottfried  Duden,  pointed  like  a 
giant  index  to  Missouri,  for  the  first  edition  was  scattered  far 
and  wide  among  the  eager  readers  of  Germany.  Furthermore, 
just  one  year  previous  to  the  organization  of  the  Deutsche  An- 
siedlungs-Gesellschaft,  Tr.  Bromme  published,  at  Baltimore,  with 
E.  Scheld  &  Co.,  his  book:  Missouri  eine  geographische  —  sta- 
tistische  —  topographische  Skizze  fur  Einwanderer  und  Freunde 
der  Lander-  und  Vdlkerkunde,  1835.  This  author,  too,  is  quite 
liberal  with  his  praises.  He  discusses  various  portions  of  the 


38  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

State  as  especially  fitted  for  German  settlements.  He  depicts  in 
bright  colors  Missouri's  natural  resources.  We  can  easily  con 
ceive  how  his  description  of  a  wild  grape  vine  36  inches  in  cir 
cumference  would  provoke  comment  among  his  German  readers. 
Nor  does  it  require  a  very  vivid  fantasy  to  imagine  that  a  de 
scription  of  a  veritable  Eden  would  be  perused  with  interest.  On 
page  37  Bromme  says,  speaking  of  Missouri's  population : 

"Audi  hier  findet  man  die  Bewohner  aller  Lander  Europas  und 
der  Union  vereinigt,  keiner  sehnt  sich  zuriick  in  die  friiheren  Ver- 
haltnisse  und  das  Gross  der  Bevolkerung  lebt  gliicklich  und  zufrie- 
den.  Was  sollte  auch  ein  Missourier  vermissen !  Er  bewohnt  ein 
reiches,  fruchtbares  Land,  welches  er  um  den  geringen  Preis  von 
1*4  Dollar  von  der  Regierung,  oder,  je  nachdem  Verbesserungen 
darauf  angebracht  waren,  um  4 — 25  Dollars  den  Acre,  von  Privaten 
kaufte ;  -  -  er  fiihrt  bei  massiger  Arbeit  ein  angenehmes,  sorgen- 
freies,  patriarchalisches  Leben,  und  wenn  er  gleich  seinen  Dienst- 
leuten  einen  hohen  Lohn  von  100 — ^150  Dollars,  ja  oft  noch  dariiber 
geben  muss,  vermehrt  sich  doch  sein  Kapital  mit  jedem  Jahr !  — 
Kam  er  arm  in's  Land,  so  setzte  ihn  zweijahrige  Arbeit  in  den 
Stand  eines  unabhangigen  Farmers,  und  hat  er  Intelligenz,  in  Kur- 
zem  ein  Beamter  seines  neuen  Vaterlandes  zu  werden.  Ein  weites 
Feld  der  Thatigkeit  steht  hier  Jedem  offen,  und  wer  nicht  darnach 
trachtet,  Reichthumer  aufhaufen  zu  wollen,  kann  hier  in  wahrhaft 
philosophischer  Ruhe  ein  herrliches  beneidenswerthes  Leben  fiihren. 
Mit  4 — 500  Dollars  kann  man  80—100  Acres  erwerben,  von  denen 
ein  Theil  schon  in  Kultur  gesetzt  ist,  und  einem  Familienvater, 
welchem  nach  Abzug  der  Reisekosten  ein  solches  Kapital  bei  seiner 
Ankunft  iibrig  bleibt,  braucht,  und  wenn  er  noch  so  viel  Familie 
hatte,  nicht  vor  der  Zukunft  zu  bangen." 

One  spot  which  Bromme  finds  worthy  of  particular  descrip 
tion  lies  in  Montgomery  County,  directly  opposite  the  present 
site  of  Hermann.  Duden's  settlement,21  too,  it  must  be  remem 
bered,  was  only  a  few  miles  east  of  the  section  the  deputies  found 
favorable  for  the  colony.  Furthermore,  Munch22  and  Folle- 
nius.23  the  leaders  of  the  unfortunate  Giessner-Gesellschaft,  lived 


21Gert.  Goebel,  L'dnger  als  ein  Menscheidcbcn  in  Missouri,  p.  6. 

22  Gert.  Goebel,  ibid,  Chapter  2. 

**Friedrich  Miinch's  Gesammelte  Schriften,  p.  101. 


GEO.    F.    BAYER,    THE    AGENT    OF    THE    SOCIETY. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri,  39 

near  there.     And  the  Berliner-Gesellschaft  was  only  30  miles  to 
the  east.24 

It  stands  to  reason  that  the  Philadelphia  society  was  famil 
iar  with  all  these  facts.  In  ithe  light  of  these  facts  we  believe  that 
Missouri  would  sug-gest  itself  naturally  to  them.  Indeed,  we  find 
Cullmann  recommending  Missouri  to  the  Executive  Committee 
as  early  as  the  I4th  of  June,  1836.  We  have,  however,  no  further 
insight  into  the  discussions  regarding  ithe  proposed  sites,  nor  do 
we  know  who  championed  the  cause  of  Missouri. 

The  report  of  the  deputies  was  received  amid  the  most  enthu 
siastic  plaudits.  The  very  evening  when  the  report  became 
known  the  Board  of  Managers  resolved  as  follows  : 

"Auf  diese  Griinde  gestiitzt,  halt  der  Verwaltungs-Rath  es  fur 
ausserst  nothwendig,  dass  sobald  als  moglich  ein  Deputirter  nach  be- 
sagtem  Lande  abgeschickt  werde,  um  der  Gesellschaft  den  Besitz 
des  Landes  zu  sichern  und  scheint  es  ihm  daher  erwiinscht,  dass  die 
Absendung  schleunigst  geschehe." 

After  a  committee  of  nine  had  examined  the  report  in  detail, 
the  Board  of  Managers  was  authorized  to  deputize  some  respon 
sible  and  capable  person  as  agent  plenipotentiary  to  lay  claim  to 
the  aforesaid  land.  The  choice  of  this  Board  fell  upon  G.  F. 
Bayer,  a  schoolmaster  by  profession — at  that  time  engaged  by 
the  Zions-Gemeinde  of  Philadelphia.  This  recommendation  on 
the  part  of  the  Board  was  heartily  confirmed  by  the  society.  A 
committee,  composed  of  Adam  Schmidt  and  Dr.  Schmoele,  drew 
up  the  instructions  for  this  representative.  The  document  was 
signed  by  Bayer  and  the  members  of  the  Board  of  Managers. 
On  the  27th  of  July,  Bayer  started  out  on  this  difficult  and  ex 
tremely  responsible  mission.  He  generously  enough  asked  for 
no  compensation,  contenting  himself  with  the  defraying  of  his 
actual  expenses. 


24  Gert.  Goebel,  L'dngcr  als  ein  Menschenleben  in  Missouri,  p.  7. 


40  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

The  instructions  by  which  he  was  governed  are  the  fol 
lowing-  : 

Instruction  filr  Herrn  G.  F.  Bayer,  Agent  des  Verwaltungs-Rathes 
der  Deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  um  Land  zu  kaufen. 

Zu  Folge  eines  Beschlusses  der  Deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesell 
schaft  vom  18.  July  d.  J.  (1837)  nat  der  Verwaltungs-Rath  Sie  zum 
Agenten  gewahlt,  um  den  von  den  kiirzlich  zuriickgekommenen  De- 
putirten  der  Gesellschaft  aufgefundenen  und  naher  beschriebenen 
Landstrich,  soweit  als  moglich,  durch  Ankauf  fur  die  Gesellschaft 
zu  sichern. 

Sie  wollen  daher  direkt  nach  St.  Louis  reisen  und  von  dort  iiber 
folgende  Punkte  so  schnell  als  thunlich  an  den  Verwaltungs-Rath 
berichten : 

i.)  1st  der  von  den  Deputirten  bezeichnete  Landstrich  ganz 
oder  zum  Theil  und  wie  weit  Congress-Land? 

2.)  Auf  welche  Weise  kann  die  Bezahlung  dieses  oder  eines 
Theiles  desselben  am  zweckmassigsten  gemacht  werden? 

3.)  Sollten  Sie  ausserdem  noch  passende  Nachrichten  mitzu- 
theilen  haben,  so  werden  Sie  solche  zu  thun  gebeten. 

Im  Falle,  dass  Ihre  Erkundigungen  in  St.  Louis  so  ausfallen, 
dass  Sie  glauben,  dass  der  ganze  von  den  Deputirten  bezeichnete 
Landstrich  oder  ein  hinreichend  grosser  Theil  desselben  vom  Con- 
gresse  zu  haben  ist,  so  wollen  Sie  direkt  hinreisen  und  sich  mit  der 
Localitat  des  Landes  so  genau  als  moglich  bekannt  machen.  Als- 
dann  wahlen  Sie  die  fur  die  Gesellschaft  tauglichsten  Striche  zum 
Ankauf  aus,  und  zwar  in  der  Art  dass  Sie  sowohl  innerhalb  der 
Ihnen  bekannten  Krafte  der  Gesellschaft  bleiben,  als  auch  das  nicht 
gleich  gekaufte  Land  fur  den  kiinftigen  Ankauf  so  viel  als  moglich 
sichern. 

Sollten  Grundstiicke,  die  Privatpersonen  gehoren,  innerhalb  des 
von  Ihnen  fur  die  Gesellschaft  ausersehenen  Landstriches  liegen,  so 
wollen  Sie  mit  den  Eigenthiimern  moglichst  vortheilhaft  proviso- 
rische  Kauf-Contracte  abschliessen  und  die  Resultate  so  schnell  als 
moglich  an  den  Verwaltungs-Rath  berichten. 

Zugleich  wollen  Sie  angeben  wie  viel  Geld  unbedingt  nothig 
ist,  um  den  von  Ihnen  auf  dem  Platze  selbst  gemachten  Kaufplan 
am  vortheilhaftesten  auszufiihren,  und  wohin,  zu  welcher  Zeit,  und 
auf  welche  Weise  dieses  Geld  an  Sie  geschickt  werden  moge. 

Sollten  Sie  schon  in  St.  Louis  oder  spaterhin  erfahren,  dass 


And  its  Colony ',  Hermann,  Missouri.  41 

der  obige  Plan  zum  Ankaufe  des  von  den  Deputirten  bezeichneten 
Landes  unausfiihrbar  1st,  so  sind  Sie  beauftragt  dieses  dem  Verwal- 
tungs-Rathe  unverziiglich  zu  berichten  und  direkt  zu  dem  zweiten 
von  den  Deputirten  bezeichneten  Landstriche  am  Cuivre  Flusse  zu 
reisen.  Hier  werden  Sie  dasselbe  oben  beschriebene  Verfahren  in 
Beziehung  auf  provisorische  Kauf-Contracte  einschlagen  und  die 
Mittel  bestimmen,  den  von  Ihnen  vorzuschlagenden  Kaufplan  durch- 
zufiihren. 

In  dem  Falle  dass  beide  erwahnten  Landstriche  entweder  fiir 
unbrauchbar  oder  unerlangbar  fiir  die  Gesellschaft  befunden  werden 
sollten,  so  sind  Sie  beauftragt,  nach  den  besten  von  Ihnen  eingezo- 
genen  Erkundigungen  einen  andern  passenden  und  erlangbaren 
Landstrich  fiir  die  Gesellschaft  aufzusuchen  und  nach  den  oben  nie- 
dergelegten  Grundsatzen  entweder  provisorisch  anzukaufen,  oder 
auf  andere  Weise  den  Ankauf  derselben  zweckgemass  vorzubereiten. 
Hierbei  haben  Sie  nach  den  Grundsatzen  zu  verfahren,  welche  in  der, 
den  friiheren  Deputirten  gegebenen  Instruction  niedergelegt  sind. 
Jedoch  sollen  Sie  iiberhaupt  die  Vollmacht  haben,  in  einzelnen  Fallen 
nach  Ihrer  eigenen  besten  Einsicht  und  in  dem  Ihnen  bekannten 
Geiste  unserer  Gesellschaft  zu  verfahren,  ohne  jedoch  unautorisirte 
Verbindlichkeiten  einzugehen. 

Sollten  Sie  in  der  Ausfuhrung  Ihrer  Auftrage  die  Hiilfe  anderer 
Personen,  z.  B.  eines  Begleiters,  Feldmessers  etc.  bediirfen,  so  haben 
Sie  alle  Gewalt,  sich  dieselben  auf  Kosten  der  Gesellschaft  zu  ver- 
schaffen. 

Es  steht  ferner  die  Summe  von  zweihundert  und  funfzig  Tha- 
lern  zu  Ihrer  Disposition  welche  Sie  zu  ausserordentlichen  Ausgaben, 
die  Sie  zur  Erreichung  Ihrer  Zwecke  fiir  nothig  erachten,  ganz  oder 
theilweise  zu  verwenden  Erlaubniss  haben. 

Alle  in  dieser  Instruction  Ihnen  zur  Abschliessung  aufgetrage- 
nen  Contracte  haben  Sie  auf  Ihren  Namen  abzuschliessen  zum  Besten 
der  ,,Deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft." 

In  einem  besonders  dazu  bestimmten  Tagebuch  wollen  Sie  die 
Fortschritte  Ihrer  Bestrebungen  taglich  niederschreiben  und,  so  oft 
Sie  es  fiir  rathsam  halten,  wenigstens  aber  jede  Woche  einmal,  von 
Ihrer  Ankunft  in  St.  Louis  an,  einen  Auszug  aus  demselben  an  den 
Verwaltungs-Rath  schicken,  wobei  Sie  zugleich  anzugeben  haben, 
wohin  allenfalsige  fernere  Instructionen  fiir  Sie  gesandt  werden 
mogen. 

The  first  weeks  after  Bayer's  departure  were  weeks  of  anx 
iety  and  suspense.  It  was  generaly  felt  that  the  society  was  ap 
proaching  a  crisis.  Upon  Bayer's  success  or  failure  as  agent 
hinged  the  future  of  the  whole  undertaking.  The  weekly  reports, 


42  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

requested  of  the  agent,  did  not  flow  in  any  more  freely  than  those 
of  the  three  deputies  had  on  their  prospecting  tour.  This,  of 
course,  heightened  the  desire  for  information.  On  August  2ist 
Bayer's  first  letter  arrived.  It  was  dated  at  St.  Louis,  the  I2th 
of  August.  In  this  letter  he  states  that  in  his  opinion  the  purchase 
of  the  land  should  be  made  without  delay.  The  society,  of  course, 
complied  promptly  with  the  agent's  wishes.  The  necessary  steps 
were  taken  to  forward  the  money.  The  treasurer's  report  sub 
mitted  in  connection  with  this  action  shows  the  society  to  have 
been  prosperous.  Up  to  September  7th,  1837,  823  shares  had 
been  sold.  There  had  been  deposited  with  the  treasurer  $12,- 
396.11.  It  goes  without  saying  that  this  was  not  the  full  amount 
due.  It  will  be  remembered  that  the  lowest  share  was  worth  $25. 
Therefore,  the  entire  amount  due  was  almost  double  the  ajnount 
collected.  This  difference  is  explained  by  the  fact  that  partial 
payments  were  permitted.  Each  installment  was  at  the  rate  of  $5. 

After  Bayer  became  acquainted  in  St.  Louis,  his  letters  seem 
to  have  been  punctually  written,  but  were  often  seriously  delayed 
on  the  way.  We  have  record  of  letters  dated  August  iQth  and 
26th,  and  September  4th,  8th,  i7th,  i8th.  But,  like  the  letters  of 
the  deputies,  they  seem  to  have  been  misplaced  when  the  papers 
were  carried  to  Hermann,  or  they  were  destroyed.  Of  all  the 
many  letters  that  the  agent  then  wrote,  and  those  which  he  later 
sent  to  the  superior  in  office,  only  three  are  known  now  to  exist. 
They  are  a  few  of  the  many  he  wrote  from  Hermann.  They  will 
be  inserted  in  their  proper  place  in  this  article.  We  cannot  refrain 
from  expressing  our  regret  that  these  old  historic  relics  are  not 
to  be  found.  The  most  diligent  search  has  failed  to  reveal  the 
slightest  clue  to  their  whereabouts.  Vandalism  has  even  dared  to 
encroach  upon  the  archives  at  Hermann  at  a  late  date,  and  has  de 
layed  honest  investigation  most  unpardonably. 

As  it  stands,  we  can  but  infer,  and  often  only  conjecture, 
as  to  what  these  letters  contained,  by  the  action  of  the  Board  of 
Managers  and  the  society.  Thus,  for  instance,  we  cannot  do 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri.  43 

better  than  merely  surmise  the  reasons  why  Bayer  did  not  follow 
the  recommendations  of  the  deputies  more  closely. 

The  land  designated  by  the  deputies  lies  along  the  Gasconade 
River,  and  along  the  point  of  confluence  of  this  river  and  the 
Missouri.  (This  region  is  indicated  on  the  accompanying  chart 
by  a  dotted  line.)  From  this  same  chart  it  will  be  seen  also  that 
only  a  comparatively  small  part  of  the  Bayer  purchase  actually 
lies  in  this  scope  of  territory.  Why  this  was  done  is  an  un 
answered  and  perhaps  unanswerable  question.  It  will  be  remem 
bered  that  in  their  report  the  deputies  mention  the  fact  that  220 
acres  of  this  region  were  already  in  the  hands  of  private  owners. 
These  owners  offered  this  land  at  $15.00  an  acre.  However,  it  is 
not  at  all  improbable  that  they  declined  to  dispose  of  their  pos 
session  under  any  consideration,  whatever,  seeing  a  prospect  of 
profiting  by  the  society  later;  or  that  they  refused  to  sell  at  the 
price  previously  quoted  by  them,  asking,  indeed,  a  much  higher 
price.  Even  $15.00  an  acre  must  have  appeared  exorbitantly  high 
then,  when  millions  of  acres  could  be  entered  at  just  one-twelfth 
of  that  price.  At  any  rate,  Bayer  met  with  some  serious  hinder- 
ance.  This  he  must  have  reported  to  the  society,  for  the  Board 
of  Managers  hastened  to  forward  additional  instructions  to  him. 

,,Dass  Herr  Bayer  benachrichtigt  werde,  die  auf  dem  von  ihm 
erlesenen  Landstriche  aufgenommenen  Platze  anzukaufen,  im  Falle 
sie  durch  keine  andern  ersetzt  werden  konnen." 

This  was  done  on  September  i8th.  It  is  plain  from  the  con 
nection  of  these  minutes  and  what  followed,  that  this  has  refer 
ence  to  some  of  the  land  he  actually  purchased  from  private 
owners,  and  not  to  the  220  acres  above  mentioned.  This  view  is 
confirmed  by  another  resolution,  passed  later  that  same  evening : 

,,Dass  Herr  Bayer  angewiesen  werde,  dass  am  Missouri  und 
Gasconade  gelegene  Land,  wenn  es  unter  gleich  vortheilhafter  Be- 
dingung  zu  haben,  zu  kaufen ;  doch  seiner  Einsicht  die  Entscheidung 
zu  iiberlassen." 

This  reference  is  clearly  to  the  land  visited  by  the  three 


44  The  German   Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

deputies,  and  also  shows  that  pecuniary  matters  formed  the  bar 
rier  against  a  speedy  purchase. 

The  accompanying  chart  shows  and  locates  every  acre  of 
ground  Bayer  bought  for  the  society.  It  is  based  on  data  found 
in  the  original  patents,  yet  preserved  at  Hermann,  and  in  an  old 
deed  of  the  society.  A  glance  at  the  chart  will  show  how  the  land 
was  scattered.  The  reason  for  this  is  not  well  known.  Bayer 
certainly  did  try  to  buy  the  land  indicated  by  the  deputies,  and  he 
had  succeeded  in  acquiring  several  sections  in  this  region.  But 
most  of  the  purchase  lies  near  the  present  site  of  Hermann.  Her 
mann  is  located  on  parts  of  Sections  25  and  26,  35  and  36,  of 
Township  46,  Range  5,  West.  In  choosing  the  land  thus  scat 
tered,  the  agent  doubtless  had  in  mind  the  fundamental  principle 
of  the  body  that  sent  him,  namely,  that  agriculture  and  manufac 
ture  should  go  hand  in  hand.  The  regions  along  the  Gasconade 
and  the  interior  of  the  county  were  much  better  adapted  to  agri 
culture  than  the  extremely  broken  land  along  the  Missouri.  On 
the  banks  of  the  Missouri  he  hoped  the  manufacturing  establish 
ments  would  spring  up.  The  great  river  was  to  be  the  public 
highway  on  which  the  finished  products  should  reach  the  market. 

From  a  record  at  Hermann  we  learn  the  exact  dates  when  the 
land  was  entered.  On  September  2ist,  1837,  the  following  cer 
tificates  were  issued  at  the  St.  Louis  Land  Office :  Nos.  9636  to 
9642,  conveying  seven  separate  tracts  of  land,  containing  1594.81 
acres;  on  September  22d,  Nos.  9643  and  9644,  conveying  480 
acres;  on  October  4th,  Nos.  9689  to  9694  and  9699  to  9710,  con 
veying  5537.47  acres;  on  October  9th,  Nos.  9728  to  9738,  con 
veying  2640.26  acres;  on  October  loth,  Nos.  9752  and  9753,  con 
veying  560  acres.  There  is  a  further  record,  stating  that  on  May 
loth,  1838,  he  entered  three  more  tracts,  embracing  200  acres,  on 
certificates  Nos.  10,385  to  10,387.  Though  this  entry  was  made 
many  months  after  the  first,  the  land  must  have  been  bought 
for  the  society,  as  Bayer  was  still  its  agent.  This  gives  us  a  total 
of  11,012.54  acres,  which  were  obtained  from  the  government  for 


And  its  Colony }  Hermann,   Missouri.  45 

the  sum  of  $14,077.73.  But  this  was  not  all  the  land  acquired  by 
the  agent.  From  a  deed  whereby  the  trustees  of  the  society  took 
formal  possession  of  the  land,  we  learn  that  five  further  tracts, 
containing  in  all  288.09  acres,  were  bought  from  private  owners. 
Therefore,  the  grand  total  of  acres  of  which  the  society  became 
possessor  was  11,300.63.  The  persons  who  conveyed  their  land 
to  the  society  were  Stephen  Atkins,  William  Guyler,  Charles 
Roark,  Willis  Hensley  and  Polly  Phillips. 

Bayer's  ledger  account  informs  us  that  he  expended  $1535.00 
in  purchasing  land  from  private  individuals.  A  man  named  Jar- 
vis  refused  to  sell  his  farm.  He  foresaw  a  rapid  increase  in  the 
value  of  land,  and  hoped  to  profit  by  the  prosperity  of  the  colony. 
He  retained  his  claim,  and  later  became  the  cause  of  much  vexa 
tion  and  annoyance  to  the  settlers. 

Whether  Bayer  ever  visited  the  Cuiver  River  country,  indi 
cated  in  his  instruction,  or  not,  is  unknown. 

We  have,  in  several  places,  referred  to  the  favorable  report 
of  the  deputies,  regarding  the  Gasconade  River  country.    We  de 
sire  to  say  that,  from  personal  examination,  we  can  confirm  the 
opinion  that  it  would  be  admirable  for  a  settlement  of  the  kind 
proposed.    The  land  along  the  Gasconade  is,  in  part,  very  fertile. 
This,  then,  would  have  satisfied  the  requirements  which  stipulated 
the  purchase  of  farming  land.    The  other  demand — that  of  a  site 
for  manufacturing  possibilites — could  easily  be  met  along  either 
of  the  rivers.     The  statements  of  the  deputies  were  entirely  true 
and  accurate.    Only  one  fact  did  they  fail  to  report,  which,  owing 
to  the  season  in  which  they  made  their  visit,  they  were  unable  to 
observe,  namely  that  the  lowlands  of  this  region  are  quite  mias 
matic.     As  in  other  river  bottoms,  fevers  play  havoc  among  the 
inhabitants  during  the  autumn.    For  this  reason,  it  was  doubtless 
a  blessing  that  Bayer  could  not  make  agreeable  terms  of  purchase. 
As  it  was,  hundreds  suffered  intensely  from  ague  during  the 
first  years  of  residence. 

Bayer  selected  the  site  for  the  new  town  in  the  comparatively 


46  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

narrow  valley  of  a  small  stream  called  Frain  Creek.     It  is  lo 
cated  seven  -miles  to  the  east  of  the  point  of  confluence  of  the  Gas 
conade  and  the  Missouri,  on  the  south  or  right  bank  of  the  latter. 
The  topography  of  the  surrounding  country  is  very  irregular. 
Fr.  Miinch's  rather  poetical  description  of  the  physical  environ 
ments  of  Missouri's  "Deutschheim"  when  he  says  :  "Hermann*  ist 
auf  der  Siidseite  amphitheatralisch  von  Hugelreihen  umgeben," 
is  scarcely  strong  enough.     Some  of  the  land  is  extremely  broken. 
But  very  little  of  the  land  around  the  site  of  the  proposed  town 
is  adapted  to  extensive  agriculture.  Other  sections  of  the  purchase 
have  very  good  farm  land.    But  they  are  far  away,  making  com 
munication  and  transportation  difficult  and  laborious.     To  the 
unprejudiced  observer  it  seems  quite  doubtful  that  Bayer  was  a 
good  judge  of    land.      He    was    by   profession  a  schoolmaster. 
Most  probably  he  knew  more  of  "the  three  R's"  than  of  the 
business  of  buying  land  for  a  corporation.     Various  conjectural 
explanations  have  been  offered  to  account  for  his  decision  and 
the  choice  of  this  land.    Some  surmise  that  he  selected  it  because 
it  reminded  him  of  his  old  Bavarian  home.    Others  say  he  selected 
it  because  it  promised  well  for  horticultural  pursuits.    Still  others 
that  he  intentionally  avoided  the  vast  tracts  of  level  land  of  West 
and  North  Missouri  in  order  that  there  might  be  no  temptation 
or  possibilty  for  the  settlers  to  own  slaves.     Still  others  believe 
and  quite  justly,  that  the  nearness  of  St.  Louis,  ''the  Gateway  of 
the  West,"  led  him  to  the  choice.    In  addition  to  these  views,  we 
should  like  to  refer  again  to  some  of  the  reasons  we  have  pre 
viously  enumerated,  when  we  spoke  of  the  choice  of  Missouri. 
We  believe  that  the  settlement  of  the  Berliner  Gesselschaft  at 
Washington,  Missouri,  and  that  of  Munich,  Follenius  and  Bock, 
in  Warren  County,  had  more  to  do  in  fixing  his  choice  than  any 
other  reason  that  has  been  suggested.    The  cheapness  of  the  land 
of  that  locality  cannot  have  been  an  inducement  to  him,  for  all 
the  government  land  of  Missouri  sold  then  at  the  price  of  $1.25 


*  Fr.  Munich,  "Der  Staat  Missouri,"  p.  204. 


r 


L 


R.-4  W 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  47 

to  $2.50  per  acre.  The  restriction  that  the  settlement  should  be 
on  a  river,  of  course,  hampered  the  agent  more  than  one  might 
think  at  the  first  glance. 

We  must  now  return  again  to  the  society  itself,  in  Phila 
delphia. 

The  meeting  of  October  5th,  1837,  was  another  memorable 
one  in  the  annals  of  the  Deutsche  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft. 
After  the  president's  order,  that  the  society  enter  into  secret  ses 
sion,  had  been  obeyed,  he  announced : 

,,Dass  er  die  frohe  Nachricht  mitzutheilen  habe,  dass  ein  grosses 
Stuck  Land  fur  die  Gesellschaft  gekauft  sei." 

The  enthusiasm  of  the  members  knew  no  bounds.  "Land! 
land!"  they  cried,  like  anxious  mariners  after  a  dreary  journey. 
New  hope,  new  expectations,  filled  them  all.  A  giant  stride  had 
been  made  towards  the  coveted  goal.  Here  was,  at  last,  a  tangi 
ble  proof  of  the  sincerity  of  the  undertaking.  The  dormant  ones 
became  aroused,  the  faithful  stimulated  and  encouraged.  The 
organization  had  gained  a  new  lease  on  life.  The  world  beheld 
that  the  Germans  were,  indeed,  in  earnest,  and  that  their  perse 
verance  was  about  to  be  crowned  with  glorious  success.  So  fav 
orable  was  the  prospect  and  so  bright  the  outlook  that  the  Board 
of  Managers  felt  justified  soon  after  in  resolving : 

,,Dass,  da  das  Land  fur  die  Gesellschaft  an  einem  sehr  giin- 
stigen  Platze  am  Missouri  Flusse  angekauft  ist,  jede  Actie  vom 
I.  October  d.  J.  an}  bis  auf  weitere  Anzeige,  35  Dollar  kostet." 

The  society  accepted  this  recommendation,  and  even  went 
a  step  farther,  and  on  November  2d  decreed : 

,,Der  Preis  der  Actien  soil  vom  i.  December  d.  J.  an,  auf  $50, 
bis  auf  weitere  Anzeige,  festgestellt  werden." 

On  the  same  day  that  the  announcement  of  the  purchase  was 
made,  the  name  of  the  town  was  to  be  discussed.  Only  a  name  typ- 


48  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

ically  German  would  do.     After  a  brief  deliberation,  this  deci 
sion  was  reached : 

,,Dass  die  auf  dem  von  der  Deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft 
gekauften  Lande  zu  erbauende  Stadt  den  Namen  HERMANN  er- 
halten  soil." 

Under  these  prosperous  conditions,  it  became  apparent  that 
to  promote  the  undertaking  still  further,  a  responsible  supervisor 
was  a  positive  necessity.  This  officer  was  to  be  styled  "General 
Agent."  He  should  conduct  their  business  at  the  prospective  col 
ony.  In  casting  about  for  a  suitable  person  for  this  very  impor 
tant  business,  it  became  clear  to  the  members,  "dass  man  keinen 
schicklicheren  General  Agenten  als  Herrn  Bayer  finden  wurde." 
The  election  was,  however,  postponed  until  Bayer's  return. 

On  the  evening  of  October  3Oth,  Bayer  reported  to  the  Board 
of  Managers,  having  made  the  trip  from  St.  Louis  in  seventeen 
clays.  He  presented  a  sketch  of  the  proposed  town,  described  the 
land  he  had  bought,  and  also  the  environments  in  which  it  was 
found.  On  November  2d  he  made  a  written  report  to  the  "Gen 
eral  Versammlung"  concerning  the  trip.  (Unfortunately,  this 
report  is  not  to  be  found.)  A  committee  took  his  report  into 
closer  scrutiny.  Every  one  was  well  pleased  with  the  services  of 
the  agent,  and  it  was  at  once  moved  to  make  G.  F.  Bayer  the 
"General-Agent"  of  the  society.  At  first  it  was  suggested  that 
he  should  hold  his  office  for  an  indefinite  period,  during  good  be 
havior.  Later  the  time  was  limited  to  one  year.  As  a  matter  of 
fact,  he  held  it  less  than  a  year.  On  October  2d,  1838,  he  laid 
down  his  extremely  difficult  task. 

He  was  instructed  to  depart  for  the  colony  at  the  earliest 
possible  date.  The  remuneration  he  was  to  receive  for  his  serv 
ices  is  itemized  under  four  heads : 

1.  Herr  Bayer  erhalt  einen  jahrlichen  Gehalt  von  $600  so  lange 
er  seine  Pflicht  erfiillt. 

2.  Es  werden  ihm  80  Acker  Land  von  der  Gesellschaft  zu  dem 
Ankaufspreise  gelassen. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  49 

3.  Er  erhalt  $300  fur  sich  und  seine  Familie  als  Reisegeld. 

4.  Er  erhalt  ein  im  Bezirk  der  Stadt  unvollendetes  Blockhaus 
als  Geschenk. 

All  the  land  which  Bayer  had  procured  for  the  society  still 
appeared  in  his  name.  November  3,  1837,  the  Board  of  Managers 
created  a  Board  of  Trustees,  to  whom  the  property  of  the  society 
should  be  deeded.  As  security  of  the  trust  of  these  men  their  own 
personal  property  should  be  held.  The  society  gladly  and  quickly 
ratified  this  appointment.  The  new  board  consisted  of  four  en 
thusiastic  supporters  of  the  movement,  Adam  Maag,  Adam 
Schmidt,  Jakob  Hummel,  and  Frederich  Klett.  It  was  deemed 
advisable  that  these  four  men  should  be  added  to  the  Board  of 
Managers  of  the  society.  As  it  happened,  most  of  them  already 
belonged,  so  that  the  Board  of  Managers  did  not  become  too  un 
wieldy  a  body.  The  deed,  remarkable  for  its  length,  containing 
the  itemized  record  of  the  transfer  of  forty-five  separate  tracts 
of  land,  is  written,  with  exemplary  neatness,  on  two  pieces  ot 
parchment,  each  measuring  27x34  inches. 

For  the  reason  that  it  contains  some  historical  facts,  and  be 
cause  of  its  quaintness,  we  subjoin  a  short  part  of  the  deed  here : 

This  Indenture  made  the  fourteenth  (14)  day  of  November  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-seven, 
Between  George  F.  Bayer  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia  and  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania,  Merchant,  and  Catharine,  his  Wife,  of  the  One 
Part,  and  Adam  Maag,  of  the  District  of  Spring  Garden  in  the 
County  of  Philadelphia,  Bottler;  Adam  Smith,  of  the  Northern 
Liberties  of  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  Morocco  Dresser ;  Jacob  Hum- 
mell,  of  the  Northern  Liberties  aforesaid,  Morocco  Dresser,  and 
Frederick  Klett,  of  the  Northern  Liberties  aforesaid,  Druggist,  of 
the  other  part,  witnesseth,  That  the  said  George  F.  Bayer  and  Cath 
arine,  his  Wife,  as  well  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  One 
Dollar  lawful  money  of  the  United  States  of  America  unto  them 
at  or  before  the  Sealing  and  Delivery  hereof  by  the  said  Adam 
Maag,  Adam  Smith,  Jacob  Hummel,  and  Frederick  Klett,  well  and 
truly  paid,  the  Receipt  whereof  is  hereby  acknowledged,  as  for 
divers  other  causes  and  considerations  them  thereunto  moving  have 
granted,  bargained,  and  sold,  aliened,  enfeoffed,  released  and  con 
firmed,  and  by  these  Presents  do  grant,  bargain  and  sell,  alien,  en- 


5O  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

feoff,  release  and  confirm  unto  the  said  Adam  Maag,  Adam  Smith, 
Jacob  Hummel,  and  Frederick  Klett  and  the  Survivor  and  Sur 
vivors  of  them,  and  the  Heirs  and  Assigns  of  the  Survivor  of  them, 
All  those  Forty-Five  Certain  Tracts  or  Pieces  of  Land  situated, 
lying  and  being  in  the  County  sf  Gasconade  in  the  State  of  Mis 
souri,  to  wit :" 

It  will  be  noticed  that  Bayer  is  spoken  of  as  a  merchant. 
This  was  doubtless  an  error.  The  City  Directory  of  Philadelphia 
of  1837  gives  his  occupation  as  "teacher,"  his  residence,  432  N. 
Second.  In  all  other  connections,  when  his  name  is  mentioned 
with  a  profession,  it  is  that  of  teacher.  While  he  was  away  on 
his  tour  of  inspection,  and  purchased  the  land,  he  wrote  to  the 
Board  of  Managers  to  send  word  to  the  "Zions-Gemeinde"  that 
he  would  not  be  able  to  return  in  time  to  open  the  school.  In  a 
letter  of  August  10,  1838,  to  the  Board  of  Managers,  he  says : 

,,Handel  werde  ich  nie  treiben  auch  wenn  ich  nicht  mehr  Agent 
bin,  indem  es  mit  meinen  Principien  nicht  ubereinstimmt." 

It  certainly  sounded  more  businesslike  to  say  "merchant"  in 
stead  of  "teacher"  in  connection  with  a  big  land  deal. 

It  will  also  be  noted  that  some  of  the  proper  names  are 
Anglicized.  The  parties  concerned  were,  however,  all  German. 

The  closing  months  of  the  year  1837  were  marked  by  the  in- 
tensest  interest  in  the  society.  It  was,  indeed,  a  feverish  interest. 
There  was  an  eagerness  that  seems  almost  unnatural,  a  rush 
almost  ridiculous.  And  all  this,  too,  in  a  year  when  a  fierce  storm 
swept  the  financial  world.  But  the  panic  of  1837  did  not  pass 
without  marring  even  this  institution.  Of  this  we  shall  speak 
later.  The  transactions  of  the  society  impress  us  now  as  rather 
too  eager.  It  seemed  as  if  they  wished  to  reach  the  ultimate  goal 
by  one  single  bound.  They  fired  the  imagination  and  exaggerated 
the  possibilities  and  built  up  hopes  which  they  were  not  certain 
they  could  fulfill.  They  realized,  of  course,  that  the  time  to  strike 
is  when  the  iron  is  hot.  But  we  know  how  fatal  the  collapse  is 
when  hopes  are  shattered,  promises  unfulfilled,  and  expectation 
meets  disappointment. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  51 

Many  resolutions  were  passed  regarding-  the  government  of 
the  proposed  town,  and  regarding  the  land,  which  all  attest  the 
keen  interest  taken  in  the  affair,  but  which  are  uncalled  for  and 
premature.  Thus  without  knowing  anything  of  the  land  which 
they  found  themselves  possessors  of,  save  what  the  necessarily 
meager  and  perfunctory  report  of  Bayer  had  told  them,  they  ar 
bitrarily  ruled  that  the  land  should  be  divided  into  classes  one 
and  two,  class  one  to  cost  $3.00  per  acre  and  class  two  $2.00.  It 
goes  without  saying  that  only  the  most  loyal  supporters  would 
agree  to  take  such  land  at  such  prices,  when,  in  almost  any  quarter 
of  the  vast  Louisiana  Purchase  any  one  could  gain  the  ownership 
of  two  acres  of  land  instead  of  one  from  the  society,  and  that,  too, 
of  land  that  was  of  superior  quality.  Another  drawback  was  the 
ruling  which  decreed  that  every  owner  should  build  a  house  val 
ued  at  $300  on  his  lot  or  lots  during  the  first  year  of  ownership. 
The  lots  bordering  on  the  wharf  and  costing  $150.00  each  were 
required  to  have  a  house  valued  at  $500  by  the  expiration  of  the 
first  year.  Failure  to  comply  with  this  decree  forfeited  the  prop 
erty  to  the  society. 

It  would  be  expected  that  the  board  of  managers  would  be 
very  deliberative  and  conservative  in  their  proposals,  but  it  ap 
pears  that  they  were  most  speculative.  And  the  society  sanc 
tioned  and  accepted  blindly  most  of  their  propositions.  In  their 
minds'  eye  Hermann  was  the  rival  of  St.  Louis — in  reality  its 
proposed  site  was  a  howling  wilderness.  Before  they  had  any 
definite  knowledge  of  the  topography  of  the  land  around  Her 
mann,  they  planned  public  squares,  laid  out  streets  (all  on  paper) 
and  dignified  these  squares  and  streets  by  naming  them  after  great 
German  and  American  celebrities.  Upon  motion  of  Mr.  Maag 
it  was  decided : 

,,Dass  die  grosse  Strasse,  welche  von  Norden  nach 
Siiden  laufe,  den  Namen  ,,Marktstrasse"  bekomme,  dass  aus 
dieser  Strasse  das  Viereck  (Square)  wegfalle,  in  der  Mitte  die 
Markthauser  gebaut  und  diese  Strasse  10  Fuss  breiter  als  die  Markt- 
strasse  von  Philadelphia  gemacht  werde." 


52  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Mr.  Klett  moved  to  set  aside  four  squares,  one  in  each  quar 
ter  of  the  plot  chosen  for  the  town,  to  be  used  as  public  places  of 
recreation.  It  was  further  resolved  that  promenades  150  ft.  wide 
should  be  arranged  east  and  west  along  the  town.  As  a  matter 
of  fact  such  promenades  are  absolutely  impossible  owing  to  the 
extremely  broken  condition  of  the  ground  in  question.  The 
streets  running  parallel  to  Market  Street  should  bear  these  names : 
Washington,  Franklin,  Tell,  Bliicher,  Philadelphia,  Friedrich, 
Gutenberg,  and  Mozart.  (The  streets  we  do  actually  find  in  Her 
mann  now  are  Market,  Schiller,  Gutenberg,  Franklin,  Gilbert, 
Mozart,  Washington,  Goethe,  Jefferson  and  Wein,  other  streets 
being  numbered.)  The  proposed  squares  (which,  however,  were 
never  laid  out)  were  to  bear  these  names :  Schiller,  Goethe,  Wie- 
land  and  Herder.  This  was  all  very  commendable  to  demon 
strate  their  enthusiasm  and  zeal  but  it  certainly  was  impractical 
and  extremely  visionary.  Before  a  year  had  elapsed  the  board  of 
managers  had  received  intelligence  that  their  plans  were  inappli 
cable  to  the  new  town.  The  actual  conditions  had  foiled  their 
ideals.  On  April  I2th,  1838,  they  ask  for  an  accurate  insight  into 
the  physical  conditions  at  Hermann,  in  these  words : 

,,Dass  Herr  Bayer  die  Veranstaltung  treffe :  eine  topographische 
Karte  (nebst  Plan  der  Stadt  Hermann)  von  den  sammtlichen  Lan- 
dereyen  fiir  die  Gesellschaft  anzufertigen  oder  anfertigen  zu  lassen 
und  diese  Zeichnungen  dem  Verwaltungs-Rathe  hier  einzuschicken." 

At  this  time,  too,  the  board  of  managers  resolved  to  make 
another  effort  at  popularizing  the  organization  in  the  Fatherland. 
They  decided  to  have  500  notices  printed  setting  forth  the  pros 
perous  condition  of  the  society  and  encouraging  participation  in 
the  same.  These  notices  were  to  be  distributed  among  the  Phila 
delphia  members  who  should  enclose  them  in  their  letters  to  Euro 
pean  friends  and  kinsmen.  This  idea  found  favor.  At  a  subse 
quent  meeting  it  was  agreed  to  have  another  lot  of  500  such  no 
tices  struck.  They  were  designed  to  be  sent  to  European  ports, 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri.  53 

like  Bremen,  Hamburg,  and  Havre,  where  "Schiffsmackler" 
should  distribute  10  to  15  of  them  on  each  ship  sailing  for  North 
America. 

There  was  no  doubt  whatsoever  in  the  minds  of  the  officers, 
that  Hermann  would  soon  become  a  booming  city.  For  the  com 
fort  and  safety  of  the  prospective  residents  they  ordained  the  fol 
lowing  : 

"Dass  keine  Schlachterei,  keine  Leim-,  Licht-,  Seifen-,  Oel-, 
Terpentin-,  Pulver-  oder  Starkefabrik,  oder  irgend  eine  Anstalt, 
welche  das  Leben  der  Nachbarn  fahrdet  oder  unangenehm  macht, 
innerhalb  der  Stadt  angelegt  werden  diirfen." 

The  promoters  of  the  undertaking  were  "Grossstadter"  and 
took  account  of  a  host  of  things  which  would  not  occur  to  resi 
dents  of  a  small  town  until  the  specific  case  presented  itself,  when 
they  would  know  how  to  meet  the  emergency. 

The  river  was  their  great  highway  by  which  their  wilderness 
was  connected  with  civilization.  This  the  colonists  realized  and 
thus  early  provided  to  reserve  its  use  wholly  to  the  society,  and 
not  allow  the  monopoly  of  any  man  or  a  collection  of  men  to  mar 
their  progress  or  inconvenience  them. 

4.  THE  FOUNDING  OF  THE  COLONY  AND  ITS  EARLY  GROWTH. 

The  year  1837  was  nearing  its  close.  It  was  necessary  that 
Bayer  should  return  to  the  site  of  the  colony  with  the  earliest  dis 
patch.  New  instructions  were  now  needed  for  the  new  "General 
Agent"  to  be  governed  by.  On  November  3Oth  the  following 
committee  was  appointed  to  draw  up  these  instructions :  Fegen- 
busch,  Gentner,  Kiderlen,  Wollsiefer,  Maag,  Klett,  Schmidt  and 
Hummel.  The  adoption  of  these  instructions  marks  the  begin 
ning  of  a  new  chapter  in  the  history  of  the  society. 

The  instructions  were  these : 


54  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

INSTRUCTION 

des   General-Agenten   der   Deutschen   Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft   zu 
Hermann,  Missouri. 

Par.  i. 

Der  General-Agent  verpflichtet  sich,  so  bald  es  die  Gesellschaft 
wiinscht,  an  den  Ort  zu  reisen,  wo  dieselbe  Land  gekauft,  um  die 
Geschafte  der  Gesellschaft  zu  besorgen,  so,  wie  nachstehend  be- 
stimmt  ist. 

a)  Der  General- Agent  verpflichtet  sich  alle  Einkaufe  und  Ver- 
kaufe  fur  die  Bevollmachtigten  der  Gesellschaft  zu  machen,  nach 
ausfuhrlicher  Instruction  derselben. 

b)  Alle  Vierteljahre  soil  er  ausfuhrliche  Rechnung  iiber  den 
Stand  seiner  Kasse  ablegen  und  der  Gesellschaft  iibersenden. 

c)  Der  General-Agent  verpflichtet  sich  iiber  alles  Eigenthum 
der  Gesellschaft  ein  ausfuhrliches  Lagerbuch  zu  fiihren. 

Par.  2. 

Sobald  10  Mitglieder  der  Gesellschaft  auf  dem  Ansiedlungs- 
Platze  ankommen  soil  der  General-Agent  eine  Versammlung  der 
selben  berufen  und  aus  ihnen  ein  Committee  von  3  Personen  wahlen 
lassen,  die  das  Recht  und  die  Verpflichtung  haben,  die  Geschafts- 
Fiihrung  des  General-Agenten  zu  revidiren  und,  falls  dieselben 
nicht  nach  dem  Sinn  dieser  Instruction  sein  sollten,  dariiber  an  die 
Gesellschaft  zu  berichten. 

a)  Genannte  Committee  soil  jede  vierteljahrige  Rechnung  des 
General-Agenten  durchsehen  und   deren   Richtigkeit  bescheinigen. 
Im  Falle  die  Committee  die  Rechnung  des  General-Agenten  nicht 
richtig  findet,  soil  sie  einen  speciellen  Bericht  gelangen  lassen. 

b)  Im   Falle   der   General-Agent   durch    Krankheit    oder   auf 
andere  Weise  geschaftsuntuchtig  gemacht  werden  solle,  oder  seinen 
Verpflichtungen  gegen  die  Gesellschaft  nicht  nachkame,  so  kann  die 
Committee  bei  vollkommener  Uebereinstimmung  aller  ihrer  Glieder 
und  mit  Zustimmung  der  Mehrheit  der  dortigen  Mitglieder  der  Ge 
sellschaft,  den  General-Agenten  suspendiren  und  uberhaupt  solche 
Schritte  gehen  wie  dieses  der  Vortheil  der  Gesellschaft  erheischt. 

c)  Diese  Committee  in  Vereinigung  mit  dem  General-Agenten 
hat  zu  bestimmen,  zu  welcher  Klasse  ein  Stuck  Land  gehoren  soil. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  55 

Par.  3. 

Der  General-Agent  soil  kein  Geschaft  betreiben,  ausser  das  fur 
die  Gesellschaft,  weder  in  seinem  noch  in  eines  Andern  Namen,  mit 
Ausnahme  des  Ackerbaues. 

Par.  4. 

Sollte  ein  Fall  vorkommen,  wo  der  General-Agent  nothwendig 
handehi  miisste,  ohne  fur  den  besonderen  Fall  Instruction  von  der 
Gesellschaft  zu  haben,  so  soil  er  mit  Zuziehung  und  Berathung  der 
dortigen  Committee  so  handeln,  wie  es  fur  die  Gesellschaft  am  vor- 
theilhaftesten  ist. 

Par.  5. 

Der  General-Agent  soil  alle  Land-Vermessungen  auf  dem  Ge- 
biete  der  Gesellschaft  besorgen. 

Par.  6. 

Der  General-Agent  soil  sowohl  der  englischen  als  der  deut- 
schen  Sprache  machtig  sein. 

With  these  instructions  Bayer,  accompanied  by  his  family, 
started  out  for  his  new  field  of  labor,  early  in  December,  1837. 
At  Pittsburg  personal  illness  delayed  him  many  weeks.  This  delay 
worked  great  inconvenience  and  hardship  to  a  number  of  pio 
neers  who  had  already  journeyed  to  the  site  of  the  new  settlement. 
Bayer  alone  had  authority  to  lay  out  lots  and  assign  them  to  col 
onists.  But  now  he  was  a  thousand  miles  away.  Winter  was 
setting  in,  and  build  they  must,  to  protect  their  wives  and  chil 
dren.  But  where  should  they  build?  Everywhere  was  wilder 
ness.  They  were  not  certain  that  the  houses,  they  erected,  with 
great  toil,  stood  on  parts  of  two  lots,  instead  of  one.  No  wonder 
they  wrote  pleadingly  to  the  mother  society  for  an  Agent. 

With  the  approach  of  the  new  year  Bayer  was  able  to  de 
part  for  the  colony.  In  midwinter  he  undertook  the  gigantic  task 
that  was  assigned  him.  Poor  man!  Alone  he  found  himself 
placed  in  almost  unexplored  wilds.  The  responsibility  that  rested 
on  his  shoulders  was  enormous.  The  success  of  the  whole  under- 


56  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

taking  rested  largely  on  his  decisions  and  his  judgment.  What 
made  the  task  still  greater  is  (as  we  are  led  to  conclude  from  re 
port)  that  he  was  hardly  qualified  for  such  an  important  position. 
The  demands  were  too  appallingly  great  for  one  man.  It  is  quite 
improbable  that  any  other  man  in  the  society  would  have  been 
many  sided  enough  to  engineer  an  undertaking  so  great  as  this 
one  was.  What  was  it  the  society  asked  of  him?  He  was  re 
quired  to  oversee  everything  that  pertained  to  the  property  of 
the  society,  to  superintend  the  surveying,  not  only  of  the  town 
site,  but  of  all  the  11,000  acres  of  ground,  to  assign  the  property 
to  colonists  and  record  their  claims,  to  hear  and  adjust  a  thousand 
complaints  of  the  settlers,  to  answer  innumerable  communications 
of  prospective  colonists  and  shareholders,  to  furnish  food-supplies 
for  all,  to  arrange  for  the  building  of  saw  and  grist  mills,  and  a 
thousand  other  things.  No  wonder  that  his  reports  to  the  home 
society  came  in  meagerly  and  irregularly.  When  it  is  remembered 
that  the  colonists  were  subject  to  human  erring,  and  that  some  of 
them  had  none  of  those  noble,  lofty  sentiments,  which  actuated 
the  founders,  but  that  selfishness  often  impelled  them  to  unrea 
sonable  and  unjust  demands,  we  wonder  that  any  man  had  the 
persistence  to  stay  at  his  post  as  long  as  Bayer  did. 

The  pioneers  who  had  the  hardihood  to  venture  into  the  Mis 
souri  wilds  in  1837,  even  before  the  General-Agent  had  gone  out, 
were: 

Conrad  Baer,  Georg  Conrad  Riefenstahl,  with  wife  and  five 
children,  John  George  Prager,  with  wife  and  two  children,  Gott- 
leib  Heinrich  Gentner,  with  wife,  Daniel  Oelscnlaeger  with  wife 
and  one  child. 

These  seventeen  persons  left  immediately  after  the  purchase 
became  assured,  confident  that  Bayer  would  speedily  follow  and 
regulate  and  supervise  their  settlement.  This  program  was 
broken  into  by  Bayer's  sickness  which  confined  him  at  Pittsburg, 
Pa.,  for  many  months.  Communication  was  slow  in  those  days, 
and  in  the  cold  season  it  almost  ceased  entirely.  Just  how  these 
first  colonists  eked  out  an  existence  during  this  first  winter  is  un- 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri.  57 

chronicled.  Their  discomfort  must  certainly  have  been  great, 
great  enough  to  embolden  them  to  ask  retribution  from  the  society 
later.  In  an  early  record  mention  is  made  of  a  half-finished  log 
house  on  the  site  of  the  proposed  town.  This  some  of  them  are 
said  to  have  occupied.  It  is  perfectly  safe  to  assume  that  the  Eng 
lish  speaking  settlers  gave  them  all  the  aid  and  comfort  in  their 
power  to  give.  The  Missourian  is  remarkably  hospitable  today, 
and  he  was  even  more  so  in  the  pioneer  days.  The  latch  string 
always  hung  on  the  outside  for  the  needy  and  distressed.  At  any 
rate  Bayer  found  them  later,  sound  in  body,  though  not  quite 
contented  in  mind. 

A  number  of  other  enthusiastic  colonists  left  the  east  later. 
But  they  had  the  good  judgment  not  to  enter  the  wilderness  at 
such  an  inhospitable  season.  They  remained  comfortably  in  St. 
Louis  awaiting  Bayer's  arrival  there  and  finding  what  temporary 
employment  they  could  in  the  city.  They  had  come  this  far  west 
to  be  on  the  grounds  in  the  earliest  spring  in  order  to  secure  the 
best  choice  of  farm  land  or  town  lots.  Selfishness  is  a  human 
characteristic.  This  corporation  was  no  more  exempt  from  it 
than  any  other  land-seeking  body.  All  desired  a  place  on  the 
"ground-floor." 

Quite  naturally,  the  failure  on  the  part  of  the  General-Agent 
to  arrive  at  the  colony  on  scheduled  time  did  even  more  than 
work  hardship  to  the  pioneer  settlers,  it  shook  the  confidence, 
not  only  of  the  enrolled  members  but  also  of  those  about  per 
suaded  to  join  the  organization.  As  was  stated  above,  the  col 
onists  did  not  know  the  reason  for  Bayer's  delay  because  of  lack 
of  communication. 

On  the  22nd  of  February,  1838,  Bayer  had  not  arrived  at 
St.  Louis.  This  we  learn  from  a  letter  of  D.  Widersprecher  writ 
ten  there  and  then  to  Secretary  Wesselhoeft. 

,,Wir  warten  schon  seit  einigen  Monaten  vergeblich  auf  die 
Ankunft  des  Herrn  Bayer  und  befinden  uns  so  ziemlich  in  einer  un- 
gewissen  Lage.  Auf  jeden  Fall  hat  diese  Angelegenheit  bereits 
sehr  dadurch  gelitten,  dass  niemand  vorhanden  ist,  die  Geschafte 
zu  superintendiren. 


58  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Sie  werden  sehr  wohl  wissen,  dass  die  Meinung  fur  die  An- 
siedlung  im  Allgemeinen  nicht  giinstig  ist  und  wenn  das  Werk 
nicht  mit  Eifer  und  Patriotismus  angegriffen  wird  kann  man  sich 
keine  grossen  Aussichten  versprechen." 

Just  when  Bayer  arrived  in  Missouri,  is  not  known.  The 
first  record  of  a  letter  from  him,  which  the  minutes  contain,  speaks 
of  a  communication  dated  at  Hermann,  March  28.  Allowing  him 
a  few  days  to  arrange  the  most  necessary  things  and  to  look  over 
the  situation,  we  should  say  he  arrived  about  the  middle  of  March. 
From  the  action  taken  by  the  society  and  the  reply  the  officers 
sent  to  Bayer,  we  infer  that  the  agent  experienced  a  very  unpleas 
ant  reception  at  Hermann,  and  that  some  extraordinarily  pre 
sumptuous  and  unjust  demands  were  made  upon  him.  It  is  to  be 
sincerely  regretted  that  the  lofty  aims  of  the  founders  of  the  so 
ciety  did  not  actuate  every  one  of  its  members;  that  the  appeal 
of  the  unselfish  ones:  "Seid  einig,  einig,  einig!"  fell  upon  stony 
hearts ;  that  the  principle  of  give  little  and  gain  much  permeated 
so  many  of  the  early  colonists ;  that  the  spirit  of  sacrifice  was  not 
in  the  land;  that  it  was  not  felt  and  appreciated  that  such  an  or 
ganization  could  prosper  only  by  the  strictest  adherence  to  the 
principles  of  equal  rights  to  all  and  special  privileges  to  none.  It 
appears  that  those  who  had  spent  that  comfortless  winter  of 
1837-8  on  the  banks  of  the  Missouri,  not  only  desired,  but  de 
manded  special  favors  of  the  agent.  They  even  appealed  for  com 
miseration  to  the  society,  claiming  that  through  the  unfortunate 
and  unforeseen  delay  of  Bayer  they  had  endured  more  hardships 
and  were  thus  entitled  to  special  recognition,  and  favors.  Such 
advantages  could  not  be  granted,  if  for  no  other  reason  than  that 
of  the  precedent  it  established.  President  Schmoele,  in  a  letter 
written  at  Philadelphia,  April  I2th,  1838,  clearly  instructs  the 
agent  as  to  his  action: 

,,Geehrter  Herr! 

Ihr  Schreiben,  datirt:  Hermann,  den  28ten  Marz  1838,  an  die 
Deutsche  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft,  nebst  den  Beschlussen  einer  auf 
der  Ansiedlung  gehaltenen  Versammlung  ist  richtig  empfangen 


And  its  Colony ,  Hermann,  Missouri.  59 

worden,  und  ich  werde  beide  Dokumente  dem  Verwaltungs-Rath, 
und  der  nachsten  monatlichen  Versammlung  der  Ansiedlungs-Ge- 
sellschaft  vorlegen. 

Als  vorlaufige  Antwort  auf  Ihren  Brief  dient  folgendes : 
Obgleich  es  mir,  wie  der  Gesellschaft  Wunsch  ist,  dass  Sie 
durch  Freundlichkeit,  Gefalligkeit  und  verniinftige  Nachsicht  die 
Lage  derjenigen  Mitglieder,  welche  schon  lange  auf  der  Ansiedlung 
sich  befanden,  Ihrer,  durch  Ungluck  verhinderte  Ankunft  entgegen- 
harrend,  zu  erleichtern  streben  mochten,  so  muss  doch  auf  strenge 
Beobachtung  Ihrer  Instruction  gedrungen  werden.  Namentlich  kann 
und  wird  sich  die  Gesellschaft  in  keiner  Hinsicht  auf  Bevorrechti- 
gung  einzelner  Mitglieder  einlassen,  diese  mogen  mit  den  Gesetzen 
der  Gesellschaft  bekannt  sein  oder  nicht.  Alle  auf  die  Rechte  der 
Mitglieder  beziiglichen  Beschlusse  der  Gesellschaft  sind  in  unserem 
gewohnlichen  Organ,  der  Alien  und  Neuen  Welt,  regelmassig  be 
kannt  gemacht  worden.  Es  ist  daher  Pflicht  der  Mitglieder,  die- 
selben  zu  kennen ;  wenigstens  kann  Unkenntniss  derselben  kein  Ver- 
gehen  gegen  sie  entschuldigen ;  und  am  wenigsten  Vorrechte  oder 
Anmassungen  begriinden.  Suchen  Sie  vorkommende  Falle  dieser 
Art  auf  die  giinstigste  und  gelindeste  Art  zu  beseitigen." 

In  the  spring  of  1838  a  large  number  of  colonists  journeyed 
to  Hermann.  Statistics  of  the  town  show  that  during  this  year 
230  persons — men,  women  and  children — arrived.  Of  this  num 
ber  29  were  unmarried  men.  Two  were  widows  with  3  and  5 
children,  respectively.  This  was  the  banner  year  of  the  colony 
so  far  as  numerical  growth  was  concerned.  The  record  for  the 
years  1839  and  '40  is  not  so  complete  in  detailed  accounts.  The 
books  show  that  21  shareholders  arrived.  We  can  not  say  how 
many  persons  came  with  them.  Nor  do  we  know  just  how  many 
more  shareholders  purchased  colony  land.  A  letter  from  Her 
mann,  May  15,  1839,  asserts  that  the  population  then  was  450. 
This  is  encouraging  enough,  considering  that  travel  was  slow  and 
laborious. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  Par.  2  of  the  instructions  to  Bayer 
provided  for  the  organization  of  an  executive  committee  of  three 
to  be  chosen  as  soon  as  10  persons  of  the  society  had  arrived. 
Bayer  was  slow  in  carrying  out  this  injunction.  Dr.  Schmoele's 
letter,  which  we  continue  to  quote  here,  reminds  him  of  this  duty 
as  well  as  others  expressed  in  the  instructions. 


60  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

,,Da  nunmehr  schon  so  viele  Ansiedler  eingetroffen  sind  so 
werden  Sie  Ihrer  Instruction  gemass  so  bald  als  moglich  die  Or 
ganisation  einer  kontrolirenden  Committee  veranlassen.  Es  scheint 
am  zweckmassigsten,  dass  Sie  zu  diesem  Ende  eine  Versammlung 
sammtlicher  dort  anwesenden  Mitglieder  berufen,  dieser  dann  Ihre 
Instructionen  sowohl  wie  alle  die  Organisirung  der  Ansiedlungs- 
Gesellschaft  betreffenden  Verordnungen  und  Beschliisse  der  Gesell- 
schaft  vorlegen  und  sie  zu  einer  nachsten  Versammlung  nach  einer 
gebiihrlichen  Frist  einladen,  um  die  Wahl  der  Committee  zu  voll- 
ziehen. 

Die  Resultate  wollen  Sie,  sowohl  als  die  Committee  selbst,  un- 
verziiglich,  an  mich  berichten. 

Ueberhaupt  wird  es  sehr  gewiinscht,  und  wurde  das  Vertrauen 
der  Gesellschaft  dadurch  verstarkt  werden,  dass  Sie  uns  durch  hau- 
fige  und  ausfiihrliche  Berichte  erfreuen.  Vor  Allem  wurde  ein  un- 
verzuglicher  Bericht  Ihrer  geschehenen  Abreise  von  Pittsburg, 
sowie  Ihre  Ankunft  in  Hermann  dringend  erwartet.  Ebensosehr 
wiinscht  die  Gesellschaft  zu  wissen,  welche  Massregeln  Sie  getroffen 
haben,  um  das  untere,  an  unserem  Lande  liegende,  zum  Stadtplatze 
nothwendige  Landstuck  fur  die  Gesellschaft  zu  sichern. 

Bei  dem  jetzigen  bliihenden  Zustande  unserer  Gesellschaft, 
mochte  der  Gedanke  gewagt  werden  diirfen,  das  grosse  Jarvische 
Claim  fur  die  Gesellschaft  anzukaufen.  Alle  Extra-Bemuhungen, 
welche  Sie  zu  diesem  Zwecke  machen  wiirden,  mochten  Ihnen  im 
gliicklichen  Falle  von  der  Gesellschaft  mit  der  grossten  Liberalitat 
belohnt  werden. 

Ich  brauche  wohl  den  moglichst  schnellen  Betrieb  der  Vermes- 
sungen  nicht  zu  erwahnen,  da  dieses  unter  Ihrer  ersten  und  wahr- 
scheinlich  schon  zum  grossen  Theile  erledigten  Pflicht  gehort. 

In  der  Hoffnung,  dass  Sie  in  der  Erfullung  Ihres  wichtigen 
und  beschwerlichen  Amtes  nicht  miide  werden,  und  mit  dem 
Wunsche,  dass  etwa  vorkommende  Zwistigkeiten  auf  die  gelindeste 
und  menschenfreundlichste  Weise  beseitigt  werden  mogen,  bin  und 
bleibe  ich  Ihr  ergebener  und  treuer  Freund 

Wilh.  Schmoele, 

(Beglaubigt  Fr.  Schreiber.)  Pras. 

Sekretair. 


Parts  of  this  letter  show  again  how  much  was  expected  of 
Bayer  and  how  very  varied  were  the  capacities  in  which  he  was 
supposed  to  be  proficient.  What  a  presumption  is  expressed  in 
this  letter.  The  Agent — a  schoolman  by  profession — doubt 
less  little  acquainted  with  the  duties  of  a  surveyor,  is  expected 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri.  61 

to  have  surveyed  the  enormous  tract  of  more  than  11,000  acres 
of  ground  in  the  short  period  of  less  than  one  month,  and  besides 
performing  a  multitude  of  other  complex  duties.  And  this  is  the 
attitude  of  the  society  for  the  greater  part  of  Bayer's  activity  as 
agent.  It  only  goes  to  prove  how  inexperienced  the  founders  of 
the  society  were  in  problems  of  this  nature.  We  do  not  champion 
the  cause  of  Bayer.  It  is  our  opinion  that  he  was  not  competent 
to  cope  with  the  many-sided  problems.  But  we  also  wish  to  point 
out  that  no  one  man  could  meet  efficiently  the  requirements  of  this 
organization. 

The  colonists  were  not  in  harmony  with  the  agent  and  did 
not  co-operate  in  the  difficult  tasks  that  presented  themselves. 
They  lacked  the  ability  to  adjust  themselves  to  primitive  condi 
tions,  were  often  and  in  many  things  extremely  impractical,  and 
worst  of  all  were  selfish,  fault  finding,  without  the  good  of  the 
cause  at  heart.  Under  such  conditions  and  among  people  of  such 
dispositions,  protests  naturally  followed  protests.  The  disappoint 
ed,  the  discontented  and  the  "wise"  ones  soon  registered  their  ob 
jections  with  the  home  society.  Some  of  these  objections  were  triv 
ial,  foolish,  puerile  and  malicious.  This  will  be  made  clearer  by 
giving,  in  toto,  the  complaints  of  one  Binz.  Binz  had  been  at 
Hermann.  Returning  to  Philadelphia  he  regarded  it  his  solemn 
duty  to  report  his  grievances.  As  he  was  too  ignorant  to  make  an 
intelligent  statement,  the  society  appointed  a  committee  of  three 
to  confer  with  him,  to  bring  his  accusations  to  writing,  and  "mit 
dessen  eigenhandiger  Unterschrift  versehen  zu  lassen  und  der 
nachsten  Versammlung  vorzutragen."  We  have  decided,  after 
considerable  hesitation,  to  insert  it  here.  We  do  it  because  it 
shows  how  malicious  and  asinine  some  of  the  colonists  were.  Also 
because  it  is  typical  of  the  nature  of  many  complaints  presented. 
Some  of  the  complainants  had  not  yet  been  purged  of  the 
"Kleinelei"  of  another  Fatherland.  The  accusations  read  as 
follows  in  the  report : 

Herr  August  Binz  sagt  aus  wie  folgt : 

I.  Dass  Herr  Bayer   (General- Agent  in  Hermann)    durchaus 


62  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

in   der   Erfiillung  seiner   Pflichten  keine   Genugthuung   gebe,   und 
meist  nur  seinen  eigenen  Geschaften  nachgehe. 

2.  Dass  Herr  Bayer  in  "company"  mit  Herrn  Widersprecher 
einen  "Stohr"  halte,  die  Tageszeit  auf  seinem  Lande  zubringe  und 
die  Abendzeit  auf  seinen  "Stohr"  verwende. 

3.  Dass  die  vier  Gesellschafts-Ochsen,  Herrn   Bayer's  Pferd, 
Kuh,  und  zwei  Schweine  mit  ihren  Jungen  taglich  zu  Gaste  haben. 

4.  Dass  drei  Herren  in  Hermann  waren  um  Actien  zu  kaufen, 
dass  aber  die  Bekanntschaft  mit  Herrn  Bayer  ihr  Vorhaben  ver- 
leidet. 

5.  Dass  Herr  Bayer  dem  Herrn  Schindahler  aus  Gefalligkeit 
160  Ackers,  nah  an  der  Stadt  fur  den  Ankaufspreis  in  der  Office 
habe  zuschreiben  lassen. 

6.  Dass  Herr  Bayer  seinen  Pflichten  gegen  ihn  selbst  nicht 
nachgekommen  sey. 

7.  Dass  Herr  Bayer  in  einer  Zeitung  in  St.  Louis  alle  Sonntag 
eine  regelmassige  Versammlung  angekiindigt  habe,  in  den  letzten 
fiinf  Wochen  aber  nie  erschien. 

8.  Dass  alle  Ansiedler  es  wunschen,  da  sie  wussten  dass  Herr 
A.  Binz  nach  Philadelphia  gehen  wollte;  besonders  eine  Gesellschaft 
zu  halten,  um  Nachrichten  an  die  Muttergesellschaft:  mit  zu  nehmen ; 
Herr  Bayer  aber  nicht  erschien;  Herr  Binz  verweilte  bis  den  Frei- 
tag,  es  konnte  aber  keine  Versammlung  zusammengebracht  werden, 
weil  Herr  Bayer  mit  seinen  eigenen  Geschaften  zu  viel  zu  thun  hatte. 

9.  Dass  nicht  fiinf  Mann  auf  der  Ansiedlung  sey  en  die  mit  der 
Handlung  und  dem  Betragen  des  Herrn  Bayer  zufrieden  waren. 

10.  Dass  Herr  Bayer  das  Ausmessen  gar  nicht  verstehe,  eine 
solche  Verwirrung  hervorbrachte,  dass  durch  einen  Sachkundigen 
die  schon  gethanen  Vermessungen  noch  einmal  vorgenommen  wer 
den  mussten;  und  so  sich  zeigte,  dass  ein  neugebautes  Blockhaus 
auf  zwei  Lotten  stand. 

11.  Dass  Herr  Binz  die      Muttergesellschaft    in    Philadelphia 
versichere,  dass  im  Allgemeinen  eine  grosse  Unzufriedenheit  wegen 
Herrn  Bayer's  Nichtsthun  dort  in  Hermann  herrsche,  und  er  als 
Mitglied  der  ,,Deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft"  sich  verpflichtet 
fiihle,  dies  often  und  frei  zum  Wohle  der  ganzen  Gesellschaft  aus- 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  63 

zusprechen,  und  mit  seiner  Namens-Unterschrift  zu  unterzeichnen. 

August  Bins. 
Committee : 

G.  Zimmermann,  Pras. 
J.  C.  Viereck,  Sekretair. 
J.  Andreas  Kehr. 

Some  of  the  accusations  are  perhaps  justifiable,  but  others  are 
too  trivial,  gossipy  and  evidently  concocted  to  make  up  a  respect 
able  list  of  complaints,  to  merit  recognition. 

Upon  hearing  the  report,  which  was  presented  early  in  June, 
the  society  passed  this  resolution  of  June  8th : 

,,Dass  der  General-Agent  aufs  dringendste  ersucht  werde  so- 
gleich  einen  speziellen  Bericht  iiber  die  ganze  Ansiedlung  zu  geben, 
indem  die  Gesellschaft  sehr  unzufrieden  iiber  das  Benehmen  des 
Herrn  General-Agenten  sei  und  diese  Berichte  von  14  zu  14  Tagen 
fortzusetzen  habe." 

The  society  had  no  longer  any  confidence  in  Bayer.  At  this 
same  meeting  we  learn  that  the  agent's  instructions  are  to  be  cop 
ied,  and  the  copy  sent  to  the  "Controlierende  Committee,"  (which 
Bayer  had  evidently  organized  now,  in  comformity  to  his  instruc 
tions)  "mit  der  Bemerkung"  (to  execute  them)  "da  Herr  Bayer 
es  doch  vernachlassigen  wiirde." 

The  Board  of  Managers,  too,  took  a  thrust  at  the  agent, 
when  they,  as  early  as  the  middle  of  May,  resolved : 

,,Dass  der  General-Agent  Herr  Bayer  ersucht  werde,  seinen 
Verpflichtungen  in  dem  Masse  nachzukommen,  in  Zukunft  piinkt- 
licher  Bericht  iiber  den  Fortgang  der  Colonie  Hermann  abzustatten. 
....  dass  wenigstens  alle  4  Wochen  ein,  auf  Wahrheit  gegriin- 
deter  Bericht  von  der  kontrolierenden  Committee  unterzeichnet, 
dem  Verwaltungs-Rathe  eingeschickt  werden  miisse." 

From  the  very  beginning,  some  of  those  who  could  reason 
ably  be  regarded  as  the  best  the  society  numbered  among  its  own 
and  who  on  the  whole  were  enthusiastic  enough,  give  expression 
to  views,  that  are  wholly  unwholesome  in  a  body  of  this  nature. 
So  for  instance  D.  Widersprecher,  in  the  letter  from  which  was 


64  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

quoted  above,  'having  heard  a  false  rumor  that  some  one  had 
received  favors,  at  once  wrote  to  Secretary  Wesselhoeft : 

,,Wenn  ich  fur  mich  keinen  guten  Bauplatz  bekommen  kann, 
gehe  ich  nicht  nach  Hermann,  und  (he  adds  a  thread)  es  werden 
dann  meine  Freunde  auch  nicht  hingehen. 

Ueberdies  wollen  wir  nichts  mit  der  Sache  zu  thun  haben,  wenn 
wir  finden,  dass  Begiinstigungen  stattfinden  und  wenn  wir  dort 
unsere  Grundsatze  von  Recht  und  Billigkeit  verfolgt  sehen." 

The  author  of  the  letter  demands  favors  which  he  would  not 
grant.  Such  language  was  ill  becoming  a  man  who  on  the  site  of 
the  colony  became  a  rich  man.  This  shows  again  the  disposition 
of  many  of  the  participants  who  were  to  be  the  pillars  of  strength 
of  the  social  structure. 

From  day  to  day  the  discontent  with  Bayer's  regime  grew 
stronger.  The  derogatory  reports  came  faster.  The  censure  be 
came  more  and  more  vehement.  Even  President  Schmoele,  who 
in  his  semi-annual  report,  delivered  on  April  14,  expressed  the 
utmost  confidence  in  Bayer,  and  called  attention  to  his  "allegemein 
anerkannte  Ehrlichkeit,  Umsicht  und  Menschenfreundlichkeit," 
began  to  suspect  the  agent  as  neglectful  of  his  duties. 

It  appears  that  Bayer  did  not  know  who  his  accusers  were — 
at  least  not  for  a  long  time.  He  endeavored  to  carry  the  fearful 
burden  that  was  placed  upon  his  shoulders  without  a  murmur. 
The  changed  attitude  of  the  home  society  soon  became  known  to 
him  through  the  tone  of  their  communications.  His  friend  Adam 
Schmidt  visited  the  colony  in  June  and  to  him  he  poured  out  his 
heart's  sorrow,  with  him  he  discussed  the  best  steps  to  be  taken 
for  the  good  of  the  whole. 

When  Schmidt  returned  .to  Philadelphia  many  of  the  unex 
plained  acts,  and  the  apparently  unpardonable  neglect  of  the  agent 
were  explained.  After  Schmidt's  report  the  Board  of  Managers 
resolved : 

,,Dass,  da  die  Obliegenheiten  des  General-Agenten  in  Her 
mann  von  einer  solchen  Ausdehnung  und  zeitraubend  sind  und  da 
der  General-Agent  unmoglich  alles  dieses  iibersehen  kann,  Nach- 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  65 

theile  fiir  die  Gesellschaft  entstehen  konnten,  so  halt  der  Verwal- 
tungs-Rath  es  fiir  nothwendig  die  Gesetzgebung  und  Verwaltung 
den  Mitgliedern  in  Hermann  soweit  zu  iibertragen,  als  es  die  Loca- 
litat  und  die  Bediirfnisse  der  Mitglieder  erheischen. 

Dass  folgende  Mitglieder  in  Hermann,  die  Herren :  K.  C.  Staf- 
horst,  Julius  Leupold,  M.  Krauter,  W.  L.  Henrich,  W.  Senn  und 

Centner,  mit  Hinzuziehung  des  General-Agenten,  bevollmach- 

tigt  sind,  die  sammtlichen  Mitglieder  zu  einer  Versammlung  zu 
berufen  und  formlich  zu  organisiren,  um  regelmassige  Beamten  zu 
wahlen." 

This  was  done  June  2nd,  1838.  It  marks  a  big  concession 
on  the  part  of  the  home  society — a  concession  which  the  colony 
eagerly  took  hold  of,  and  which  encouraged  them  to  ask  for  still 
more  powers,  before  the  year  had  gone  by. 

We  are  fortunate  in  having  handed  down  to  us  three  letters 
from  the  former  agent — Bayer.  We  insert  them  here  because 
they  will  speak  for  a  most  sorely  abused  man,  and  will  in  a  meas 
ure  vindicate  him,  if  he  needs  vindication,  but  best  of  all  they  pre 
sent  a  glimpse  into  the  actual  workings  of  this  body. 

Hermann,  June  25th,  1838. 

Herrn  Doctor  Schmoele,  President  der  deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Ge- 
sellschaft  zu  Philadelphia. 

Geehrter  Herr! 

Die  Beschliisse  der  Colonie  dahier,  im  Verlauf  dieses  Monats 
gehalten,  warden  Ihnen  zugekommen  seyn.  Dringende  Geschafte 
veranlassten  eine  Verzogerung  der  ersten  Beschliisse  dieses  Mo- 
nats,  und  da  die  Erledigung  mehrerer  Punkte  derselben  Kile  for- 
derte,  so  schien  es  mir  passender  die  nachste  Sitzung  abzuwarten. 
Herr  Schmidt,  welcher  seinem  Versprechen  gemass  personliche 
Berichte  bei  seiner  Zuriickkunft  an  die  Gesellschaft  erstatten  wird, 
indem  wir  Manches  mit  einander  besprochen,  dass,  meines  Erach- 
tens,  nidht  an  die  grosse  Glocke  gehort,  wenn  nicht  unserem  nun- 
mehr  schonen  Gelingen  unserer  Sache  entgegen  gearbeitet  werden 
soil.  Ich  muss  mir  dabey  freylich  einen  Vorwurf  machen,  nemlich : 
dass  ich  Ihnen  und  der  Muttergesellschaft  Wiinsche  (ofter  zu 
schreiben)  nidht  nachkommen  konnte.  Indessen  wird  Herr  Schmidt 
und  Herr  Arnold  der  Wahrheit  gemass  gewiss  bezeugen,  dass  der 
Arbeiten  viele  auf  mir  liegen,  und  dass  ich  in  der  Hauptsache  ge 
wiss  meine  Schuldigkeit  thue.  Wenn  man  dann  noch  annimmt, 


66  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

wie  viele  ungesetzliche  Anforderungen  von  zwei  unverstandigen 
Glikksrittern  und  Abentheurern,  die  hie  und  da  auch  bey  uns  ihr 
Heil  versuchen  wollen,  gemacht  werden,  und  die  gewohnlich  mit 
Grobheiten  enden,  so  mochte  man  am  Durchsetzen  der  Sache  ver- 
zweifeln.  Doch  Muth  und  Besonnenheit  hat  mich  schon  durch 
manches  Labirinth  gefiihrt,  und  wenn  die  Muttergesellschaft  so 
wie  friiher  fortfahrt  meine  scheinbaren  Schwachen  zu  tragen  und 
keinem  ungegriindeten  Misstrauen  Platz  giebt,  so  ist  gar  kein 
Zweifel,  dass  die  Vorhersagungen  aller  Vorurtheils  freyen  Manner, 
sowohl  Deutschen  als  Amerikanern,  in  dieser  Gegend  in  Erfiillung 
gehen,  und  die  Stadt  Hermann  schon  in  den  ersten  Jahren  mit 
irgend  einer  im  Westen,  St.  Louis  ausgenommen,  weteifern  kann. 
—  Obgleich  schon  viele  edle  Manner  hier  sind,  so  ware  es  nach 
meiner  Ansicht  doch  noch  nicht  zu  wunsohen,  dass  die  Mutterge 
sellschaft  aufhoren  wiirde,  das  Oberhaupt  der  Colonie  zu  seyn.  Die 
statistischen  Verhaltnisse  der  Colonie  sind  freylich  glanzend  genug 
um  auf  den  ersten  Ueberblick  einen  solchen  Wunsch  zu  hegen, 
aber  sowohl  in  moralischer  als  finanzieller  Hinsicht  scheint  es  mir 
noch  zu  friih  daran  zu  denken.  Nach  und  nach  werden  sich  die 
verschiedenen  Ideen,  die  fast  Jeder  mit  nach  Hermann  bringt,  ver- 
schmelzen  und  ein  nach  den  Grundgesetzen  der  Muttergesellschaft 
geformtes  Ganze  herauskommen,  das  die  Basis  zu  alien  erspriess- 
lichen  Folgerungen  abgeben  wird.  Mogen  auch  der  Sache  Miss- 
giinstige,  oder  Zweifler  oder  boshafte  Verlaumder  iiber  mich  her- 
fallen,  es  stort  mich  nicht,  wenigstens  nicht  auf  die  Dauer,  denn 
ich  kann  mit  Recht  stolz  darauf  seyn,  dass  ich,  durch  kraftige  Mit- 
wirkung  edler  deutscher  Manner,  eine  Colonie  gegriindet  habe,  die 
der  Nachwelt  zeigen  wird,  dass  der  Deutsche,  auch  ohne  fanatisch 
angefeuert  zu  seyn,  ein  Muster  der  Einigkeit  und  des  Fleisses  ist, 
sobald  nur  die  Art  und  Weise  denselben  moralisch  zu  leiten  nicht 
verfehlt  wird. 

Nur  schade,  dass  die  meisten  unserer  jetzt  hier  angesiedelten 
Glieder  so  viel  mit  sich  selbst  zu  thun  haben,  und  gerade  oft  Die- 
jenigen,  welche  ihrer  Talente  und  Moralitat  nach  am  meisten  leisten 
konnten,  durch  Geschafte  ausserhalb  verhindert  werden,  Theil  an 
dem  politischen  Thun  und  Treiben  der  Gesellschaft  zu  nehmen,  in 
Folge  dessen  es  denselben  dann  unmoglich  ware,  auch  Aufsatze 
zur  Veroffentlichung  zu  geben. 

Alles  dieses  wird  spater  besser,  und  es  ware  nach  meiner  An 
sicht  auch  nicht  gut,  wenn  die  Einwanderung  in  unsere  Colonie 
vor  dem  Herbste  starker  gienge,  als  sie  jetzt  geht.  Die  Lebens- 
mittel  werden  rar,  und  wir  haben  jetzt  vor  der  Erndte  oft  viele 
Muhe  solche  zu  bekommen,  besonders  das  Mehl  macht  uns  viel  zu 
schaffen.  Mehrere  Bestellungen,  die  ich  in  St.  Charles  machte, 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  67 

wurden  nicht  befordert.  Soeben  komme  ich  von  einer  Reise,  auf 
welcher  ich  alle  Miihlen  im  westlichen  Theile  von  Warren  County 
aufsuchte,  ohne  gliicklichen  Erfolg,  am  Ende  doch,  nahe  an  der 
grossen  Prairie  in  Montgomery  County  hatte  ich  das  Gliick  mit 
einem  virginier  Miihlenbesitzer  einen  Contrakt  fiir  Mehllieferung 
zu  machen.  Alles  dieses  muss  auf  der  linken  Seite  des  Missouri 
geschehen,  was  besonders  mir,  der  fur  all  dieses  zu  sorgen  hat, 
sehr  viele  Miihe  macht.  Vorige  Woche  reiste  ich  nach  Washing 
ton  (Mo.),  und  hatte  das  Gliick  ein  neues  ferryboat  zu  kaufen,  das 
nachster  Tage  herauf  kommen  wird  und  uns  gewiss  Manches  er- 
leichtert.  So  wie  ich  bey  dem  nun  beynahe  vollendeten  Briicken- 
bau  abkommen  kann,  reise  ich  in  die  Countystadt  um  eine  Lizens 
fur  eine  Ferry  einzuholen,  vorher  aber  will  ich  mit  den  gegeniiber 
liegenden  Besitzern,  so  viel  wie  moglich  vortheilhafte  Contrakte 
abschliessen,  was  ich  schon  eingeleitet  habe.  Statistische  Ueber- 
sicht  der  Stadt  und  des  Landes  soil  nachstens  verfertigt  werden 
und  vielleicht  schon  im  nachsten  Briefe  kommen. 

Uebrigens  empfehle  ich  mich  Ihnen  so  wie  der  ganzen  Ge- 
sellschaft. 

Hochachtungsvoll, 

G.  F.  Bayer, 

G.  A. 

Hermann,  July  3rd,  1838. 

Herrn    Doctor    Schmoele,    President    der    deutschen    Ansiedlungs- 
Gesellschaft  zu  Philadelphia. 

Geehrter  Herr! 

Ich  benutze  den  Vorabend  des  fiir  uns  Deutsche  so  gehalt- 
vollen  Festes,  das  auch  morgen  hier  nun  von  der  ganzen  Colonie 
mit  Einschluss  der  uns  umgebenden  Amerikanern  gefeiert  werden 
soil,  um  Ihnen  die  Fortsetzung  des  unterm  25ten  v.  M.  datirten 
Briefes  zu  liefern.  Der  Gedanke  an  den  grossen,  edlen  Befreyer 
unserer  jetzigen  Heimath,  hat  viel  fiir  mich,  sollte  es  fiir  jeden 
Deutschen  haben.  Er  handelte  frey  und  recht  mit  seinen  Lands- 
leuten  und  wurde  doch  verkannt,  sogar  vom  damaligen  Congress. 
Warum  soil  ich  mich  beklagen,  dem  so  Vieles  abgeht,  was  ihm 
eigen  war,  wenn  ich  verkannt  werde.  Warum  soil  ich  mich  be- 
leidigt  fiihlen,  wenn  Einer  dem  ich  nicht  nach  seiner  Pfeife  tanzen 
konnte,  ohne  meine  Instruction  zu  verletzen,  in  der  St.  Louiser 
Zeitung  von  Gewalt  herunter  schwatzt,  die  ich  nicht  kenne  noch 
kennen  mag?  Oder  ist  das  Gewalt,  wenn  ich  ihm  200  Acker  Land 
die  er  verlangt  nicht  auf  Credit  gebe,  weil  er  nur  zu  80  berechtigt 
ist?  Ist  das  Gewalt,  wenn  ich  dem  Begehren  eines  Herrn  von 


68  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Philadelphia,  der  fur  zwei  Actien  drei  gewohnliche  und  eine  Wharf- 
lotte  und  noch  120  Acker  Land  wollte,  kein  Gehor  gab?  Oder  wird 
das  Gewalt  genannt,  wenn  ich  nicht  Jedem  der  es  verlangt  Mehl 
und  Fleisch  u.  s.  w.  fort  und  fort  auf  Credit  gebe  und  noch  Geld 
dazu  leihe  wenn  es  ihm  beliebt? 

Sehen  Sie  mit  solchen  Leuten  habe  ich  hie  und  da  zu  kampfen 
und  gerade  solche  spielen  manchmal  auf  kurze  Zeit  die  Hauptrolle 
bis  sie  die  Mehrzahl  kennt.  Als  Mann  von  Erfahrung  wissen  Sie 
das  eben  so  gut  wie  ich  und  Sie  werden  mir  gewiss  auch  diese  miss- 
muthige  Abschweifung  zu  Gute  halten. 

Wie  ich  Ihnen  im  letzten  Briefe  andeutete,  ist  nun  alle  Vor- 
kehrung  zu  einer  Ferry  getroffen.  Auf  welche  Weise  solche  betrie- 
ben  werden  soil  muss  die  Erfahrung  lehren  und  die  Verwaltungs- 
kommittee  wird  mir  dabey  an  die  Hand  gehen.  Das  Landausmessen, 
welches  mit  vielen  Schwierigkeiten  verkniipft  ist,  da  die  meisten 
Eckbaume  durch  das  Waldfeuer  zerstort  sind,  wird  nachste  Woche 
wieder  seinen  Anfang  nehmen  und  ich  werde  keine  Miihe  scheuen 
Alle  die  rechtlich  Land  anzusprechen  haben,  zufrieden  zu  stellen, 
nach  den  Vorschriften  die  mir  dieserwegen  in  meiner  Instruction 
gegeben  sind.  Mancher  der  bisher  die  Deutsche  Ansiedlungsgesell- 
schaft  als  eine  melkende  Kuh  betrachtet  hat,  wird  sich  freylich  ge- 
tauscht  fuhlen  und,  wie  gewohnlich,  rasonieren.  Doch  das  scheert 
mich  nicht. 

In  der  Stadt  sind  nun  142  gewohnliche  Lotten  und  19  Wharf- 
lotten  in  Beschlag  genommen,  die  doch  nach  der  Vorschrift  inner- 
halb  eines  Jahres  bebaut  werden  miissen.  Das  Land  an  der  Frain 
Creek  ist  alles,  an  der  Little  Berger  Branch  sehr  bedeutend,  und  an 
der  Coal  Creek  beynahe  alles  aufgenommen. 

Die  grossten  Bediirfnisse  konnten  durch  eine  Sagemiihle  und 
Mahlmiihle  beseitigt  werden.  Zu  diesem  fehlt  uns  aber  die  Was- 
serkraft  an  der  Frain  Creek.  Solche  an  die  Big  Berger  oder  First 
Creek  zu  setzen,  wo  wir  auch  Miihlsitze  haben,  ist  von  keinem 
wesentlichen  Nutzen,  da  solche  bey  den  noch  unfahrbaren  Wegen 
von  der  Colonie  nicht  benutzt  werden  konnten.  Herr  Setzer  von 
Washington  (Mo.),  der  friiher  eine  Dampfsage-  und  Mahlmiihle 
beabsichtigte,  ist  zu  angstlich  in  der  Sache,  da  er  gar  keine  Kennt- 
niss  von  solchem  Betrieb  hat.  Herr  Schiefer  zeigte  bey  seinem 
Hierseyn  grosse  Lust  etwas  derartiges  ins  Werk  zu  setzen  und  ich 
versprach  ihm,  dass  die  Muttergesellschaft  gewiss  alles  mogliche 
thun  wird,  ihn  zu  unterstiitzen.  Den  Fuss  Bretter  miissen  wir  zu 
2%  bis  3  Cents  bezahlen,  wo  wir  es  hier  zu  I  bis  iy2  Cents  gesagt 
bekommen  konnten,  und  das  Holz  kostet  uns  nichts.  Der  Buschel 
Weizen  wiirde  uns  zu  $1.00,  das  Buschel  Korn  oder  Rocken  zu  50 
Cents,  und  Mais  oder  Welschkorn  zu  40  Cents  geliefert  bey  grossen 


'And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  69 

Quantitaten,  und  so  miissen  wir  fur  Weizenmehl  $4.00  per  100  Ibs., 
Rockenmehl  $3.00  per  100  Ibs.,  und  Maismehl  £4 — I  Thlr.  Per 
Buschel  bezahlen  und  noch  dazu  10  bis  20  Meilen  weit  dafiir  gehen, 
da  die  Miihlen  in  der  Nahe  herum  meistens  in  einem  unbrauch- 
baren  Zustande  sind.  Wenn  nur  irgend  Jemand  von  den  vielen 
Capitalisten  im  Osten  etwas  in  der  Lage  thun  wiirde  oder  die 
Gesellschaft  im  Stande  ware  einige  tausend  Thaler  darauf  zu  ver- 
wenden,  dass  wir  eine  gute  Dampfsage-  und  Mahlmuhle  bekamen. 
Herr  Hoch  oder  High  in  Reading,  welcher  auch  in  der  Gesellschaft 
betheiligt  ist,  soil  eine  ganz  neue  Dampfmaschine  besitzen,  welche 
man  sehr  billig  und  unter  vortheilhaften  Bedingungen  auf  Credit 
bekommen  konnte.  In  einem  Jahr  hatte  sich  die  Sache  bezahlt  und 
der  Colonie  bliebe  vieles  Geld  in  der  Tasche. 

Eine  Bittschrift  fur  eine  Postoffice  ist  bereits  eingeschickt  und 
da  zu  gleicher  Zeit  eine  solche  in  der  Gegend  von  Lyle  westlich  des 
Gasconade  abgesandt  wurde,  so  ist  es  ohne  Zweifel,  dass  wir  bald 
unsern  Wunsch  in  dieser  Hinsicht  erfiillt  sehen.  Ja  der  Posthalter 
in  Washington  (Mo.)  versicherte  mich,  dass  die  Poststation  fur 
unsern  Platz  schon  besprochen  und  bestimmt  worden  sey  ehe  nur 
unsere  Suplick  an  Ort  und  Stelle  gelangt  sey. 

Wir  haben  manches  durchzukampfen,  doch  wird  Alles  gut 
gehen.  So  haben  im  Anfang  die  Capitaine  der  Dampfboote  unsere 
Landung  verschrieen  und  es  wurden  mir  manche  Vorwiirfe  dess- 
hal'b  gemacht.  Jetzt  landen  sie  alle  nach  Herzenslust  wenn  sie 
Fracht  oder  Pasagire  fur  uns  haben  und  werden  spater  wenn  wir 
ihnen  Lebensmittel  zum  Verkauf  anbieten  konnen,  auch  bey  uns 
iibernachten. 

Mit  vieler  Achtung  griisst  Sie  mit  dem  Wunsche  mich  der 
Muttergesellschaft  zu  empfehlen 

Ihr  G.  F.  Bayer,  G.  Ag. 

Hermann,  August   igten,   1838. 

An  den  Verwaltungsrath  der  deutschen  Ansiedlungsgesellschaft. 
Geehrte  Herrn ! 

Durch  die  neuen  Ankommlinge  sind  mir  Briefe  zugekommen, 
die  mir  endlich  doch  einmal  die  Quellen  zeigen,  woraus  die  Heim- 
lichkeiten  entsprangen,  die  der  Verwaltungs-Rath  besonders  in  der 
letzten  Zeit  gegen  mich  beobachtete. 

Warum,  meine  Herrn,  verdammt  man  mich  ohne  mich  iiber 
die  mir  aufgebiirdeten  Verlaumdungen  zu  horen.  Ich  muss  frey- 
lich  hier  oft  energisch  handeln,  wenn  nicht  das  gesellschaftliche 
Vermogen  alien  nach  Belieben  preissgegeben  werden  soil.  Z.  B. 
im  Aufang  verlangte  man,  dass  ich  fur  Arbeit  per  Tag  $1.25  zahlen 


70  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

solle.  Ich  that  es  riicht,  well  Amerikaner  sich  fur  bedeutend  weniger 
anboten.  Es  giebt  wirklich  noch  solche  die  unverschamt  genug  sind, 
den  Tagelohn  zu  verlangen,  wenn  ihnen  Land  angewiesen  wird. 
Herr  Krauters  Monopol  $1.75  per  Tag  ist  nun  gebrochen,  da  die 
Leute  welche  bauen  nicht  gerne  mehr  bezahlen  als  hier  iiblich  ist. 
Was  die  Association  mit  Widersprecher  betrifft,  so  erklare  ich  jeden 
als  einen  infamen  Liigner  der  solches  sagt.  Der  Bretterhandel  mit 
demselben  ist  ebenfalls  eine  erdichtete  Luge;  ja  ich  kann  sogar 
beweisen,  dass  derselbe  mir  die  Bretter  hoher  ansetzte  als  er  sie 
Andern  verkaufte,  was  mich  veranlasste,  keine  von  ihm  zu  kaufen, 
wodurch  ich  nun  ausserordentlich  gehindert  bin  im  Baue  meines 
Hauses.  Wenn  Widersprecher  sein  merkantilisches  Interesse  so 
hoch  stellt  als  Andere  ihr  personliches  und  wahrend  meiner  Ab- 
v/esenheit  Bretter  kauft,  die  Krauter  mit  sammt  seinem  Anhang 
nicht  kaufen  konnte  und  sich  dann  fur  seine  Miihe  bezahlen  lasst, 
so  kann  ich  das  nicht  hindern,  besonders  wenn  derselbe  solche  um 
einen  Preiss  erlasst,  den  wir  alle  jetzt  gern  bezahlen  wiirden  wenn 
sie  nur  zu  bekommen  waren. 

Handel  werde  ich  nie  treiben,  auch  wenn  ich  nicht  mehr  Agent 
bin,  indem  es  mit  meinen  Prinzipien  nicht  ubereinstimmt.  Ueber- 
haupt  Jeder  der  sagt  dass  ich  meine  Instruction  iiberschritten  habe 
ist  ein  Liigner,  und  zwar  so  lange  bis  er  mir  es  beweisst.  Glauben 
Sie  ja  nicht,  dass  es  mir  einerlei  ist  was  man  von  mir  spricht  und  in 
einem  Korper  spricht  mit  dem  ich  Hand  in  Hand  zu  gehen  mir  vor- 
genommen  habe,  und  denen  niitzlich  zu  seyn,  die  jetzt,  zum  Theile, 
so  undankbar  an  mir  handeln. 

Was  das  Land  betrifft,  so  bin  (ich)  eben  so  wenig  im  Stande, 
andern  Leuten  zu  verwehren  Land  zu  enteriren  wenn  sie  Lust  und 
Geld  dazu  haben,  so  hat  z.  B.  Schonthaler,  Setzer  und  noch  meh- 
rere  andere  Amerikaner  und  Deutsche  seit  der  Zeit,  ja  vor  kurzer 
Zeit  drey  Herrn  von  Charleston  iiber  600  Acker  in  der  Nahe  unserer 
Besitzung  aufgekauft.  Leimer  der  nun  durch  Umgehung  unserer 
Gesetze  300  Acker  hat  und  auf  den  Namen  seines  Vaters  und  Bru- 
ders  noch  zweymal  80  Acker  nehmen  will,  sobald  die  von  mir  ver- 
langte  Vollmacht  da  ist,  soil  letzte  Woche  bedeutend  Congressland 
gekauft  haben  und  namentlich  ein  40  Ackerstiick  das  ich,  nachstens 
wenn  ich  nach  St.  Louis  kommen  wiirde  mir  vorgenommen  hatte 
zu  enteriren,  und  vorlaufig  an  Herrn  Staffhorst  abgegeben  hatte. 
Bekommen  wir  noch  einige  auf  den  Hals  wie  Herr  Leimer,  so  hat 
die  Ansiedlung  einige  Landspekulanten  in  ihrer  nachsten  Nahe,  und 
die  Armen  konnen  ihre  40  Acker  Stiickchen  8 — 10  Meilen  weit 
such en. 

Wenn  nicht  die  Certificate  und  die  Duplicate  hierher  geschickt 
werden  so  weiss  ich  nicht  wie  Ordnung  in  die  Geschafte  kommen 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  71 

soil.  Alles  was  ich  bisher  gethan,  habe  ich  inemorirt,  so  gut  es  sich 
thun  Hess,  in  das  Rekordbuch  kann  aber  doch  nur  solches  Land  ein- 
getragen  werden  fur  welches  mit  Actien-Certificaten  bezahlt  worden 
ist.  Nun  haben  viele  Glieder  nicht  einmal  eine  bestimmte  Quittung 
oder  sind  bios  in  der  Alien  und  Neuen  Welt  quittirt,  was  soil  man 
da  machen,  besonders  wenn  man  sich  auf  die  Liste  nicht  verlassen 
kann.  Alle  die  Leute  hier  bestehen  darauf,  dass  man  ihnen,  da  sie 
nun  auf  dem  Platze  der  Ansiedlung  eingetroflen  sind,  ihre  Actien- 
Certificate  ohnentgeldlich  zuschicken  miisse. 

Ferner  fehlen  uns  die  Notifikationen  der  Muttergesellschaft 
uber  die  irn  Laufe  der  Monate  Mai,  Juni  und  Juli  eingeschickten 
Beschliisse  unserer  Colonie. 

Hinsichtlich  der  Stadt  selbst  muss  ich  bemerken,  dass  ich  solche 
nach  den  Lokalitatsveranderungen  ausgelegt  habe,  und  mit  Herrn 
Wesselhoeft  den  neuen  Plan  an  die  Muttergesellschaft  gelangen  zu 
lassen  gedenke,  der  nun  ausgefuhrt  werdert  kann. 

Auf  das  Reserveland  haben  wir  den  Begrabnissplatz  gelegt, 
und  was  uns  nun  siidlich  der  Stadt  an  solchem  fehlt,  indem  wir  nur 
uber  unser  Eigenthum  und  nicht  uber  fremdes  zu  disponiren  haben, 
so  wurden  dafur  westlich  iiber  400  Acker  reservirt,  und  Land  dem 
Flusse  entlang  ist  der  Stadt  von  grosserem  Nutzen  als  Land  ein- 
warts. 

Herr  Wagenschwanz  ist  angelangt  und  es  scheint,  dass  er  mir 
viele  Miihe  machen  wird.  Derselbe  hat  eine  Vollmacht  oder  viel- 
mehr  Ueberschreibung  von  Rosenberg  fur  4  nicht  ganz  bezahlte 
Actien  und  4  spricht  er  selbst  an.  Den  Rest  meint  er  solle  man  ihm 
schenken  fur  seine  grosse  Miihe  die  er  mit  der  Gesellschaft  gehabt 
habe.  Ich  sagte  ihm  dass  wenn  er  noch  $20  bezahle  so  seye  er  be- 
rechtigt  zu  6  Actien  was  ihm  aber  nicht  zusagt. 

Wir  mussen  uns  nun  sehr  beeilen  wenn  wir  uns  dieses  Jahr  in- 
corporiren  lassen  wollen,  ob  als  Stadt  oder  als  Gesellschaft  ist  eine 
Frage  iiber  die  man  sich  verstandigen  sollte,  ebenfalls,  wenn  ersteres 
der  Fall,  was  denen  auf  dem  Lande  fur  Gerechtsame  zugestanden 
werden  konnten.  Herr  Leupold  ist  derowegen  nach  St.  Louis  ge- 
reist  um  Rath  bey  einem  Advokaten  einzuholen,  der  unser  Interesse 
so  wenig  kennt,  als  ich  die  Walder  von  Polen.  Ich  empfehle  mich 
bestens  als 

Ihr  ergebener 

G.  F.  Bayer,  G.  A. 


We  are  indeed  fortunate  in  having  these  few  letters.  They 
are  like  brands  rescued  from  the  fire.  They  corroborate  our  state 
ment  regarding  the  disposition  and  characteristics  of  the  colonists. 


72  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

They  defend  the  agent,  if  he  need  a  defense,  against  the  viru 
lent  attacks  of  his  adversaries.  It  is  our  private  opinion  that  some 
of  the  settlers  were  narrow  enough  to  heap  their  vituperation 
upon  this  man,  because,  of  the  six  hundred  dollars,  the  80  acres 
of  land  at  cost  price,  and  the  unfinished  log-house  which  were  of 
fered  him  for  his  hundred-fold  services  to  the  corporation. 

Despite  all  the  objections  made  to  the  controlling  officer,  the 
colony  seems  to  have  grown  and  flourished.  The  proof  for  this 
we  will  take  largely  out  of  the  mouths  of  the  colonists  themselves. 
The  "Alte  und  Neue  Welt"  contains  the  substance  of  a  letter  of 
those  very  pioneers  of  1837-38: 

,,Wir  haben  einen  Brief,  unterzeichnet  von  mehreren  Mitglie- 
dern  der  ,,Deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft"  aus  Hermann,  Staat 
Missouri,  erhalten.  Diese  Herren  schreiben,  dass  ihnen  der  Platz 
der  Ansiedlung  sehr  gefallt,  dass  das  Wasser  gut,  die  Gegend  ge- 
sund  und  eine  der  schonsten  zum  Bau  einer  Stadt  am  Missouri  ist, 
soweit  sie  die  Ufer  dieses  Flusses  besucht  hatten.  Sie  bemerken 
in  ihrem  Briefe,  nachtheiligen  Geriichten  iiber  die  Gegend  keinen 
Glauben  beizumessen  und  ziehen  den  Ort  der  Ansiedlung  den  Ufern 
des  Gasconade  vor,  wo  es  lange  nicht  so  gesund  sei."* 

In  all  these  reports  we  are  made  to  feel,  that  the  chief  desire 
is  to  push  the  undertaking  to  its  wished-for  culmination.  This 
tone  likewise  prevails  in  the  report  of  the  president  as  well  as  in 
the  appeals  of  the  secretary. 

Just  one  instance  may  be  given  here.  On  April  25,  '38,  a 
committee,  composed  of  Julius  Leupold,  F.  Schreiber  and  C. 
Staffhorst,  appointed  to  examine  the  books  of  the  treasurer,  re 
ported  : 

,,Dass  diese  Biicher  auf  eine  Weise  gefiihrt  worden  sind,  welche 
keine  verstandliche  Uebersicht  derselben  zulasst." 

(This  condition  was  later  adjusted  according  to  sound  busi 
ness  principles.)  But  in  the  semi-annual  report  of  the  president, 


*  A.  und  N.  W.  of  January  27,  1838. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  73 

submitted  April  14,  '38,  when  he  could  not  have  had  reliable  in 
formation  concerning  the  treasury,  he  nevertheless  indulges  in  a 
glowing  account,  which  as  he  proceeds  becomes  quite  speculative 
and  even  visionary.  We  quote  from  it  here : 

,,Unsere  Kasse  hat  schon  jetzt  nach  Tilgung  aller  Schulden 
einen  reinen  Ueberschuss  von  mehr  als  Tausend  Thaler.  Dazu 
kommen  noch  die  Riickstande  einzelner  Mitglieder,  deren  Betrag 
ich  im  Bericht  nicht  angegeben  finde,  die  aber  ebenfalls  eine  nicht 
unbedeutende  Summe  ausmachen.  Ausser  diesem  hat  die  Gesell- 
schaft  noch  iiber  tausend  Aktien"  (blank  slips  of  paper  merely) 
,,,die  nach  dem  jetzigen  Preise  mindestens  50,000  Thaler  Werth 
sind,  so  wie  iiber  80  Wasserstrassen-Lotten  in  Hermann"  (building 
lots  along  the  Missouri  River)  ,,wie  iiber  12,000  Acker  Landes,  dass 
zum  mindesten  Preise  24,000  Thaler  einbringt,  zu  verkaufen. 

Im  Ganzen  stellt  sich  also  nach  Befriedigung  aller  personlichen 
Anspriiche  sammtlicher  Aktionare,  ein  reines  Vermogen  von  circa 
90,000  Thalern  Werth  heraus,  welches  Gemeingut  der  Aktionare 
ist." 


To  the  cool-headed  business  man  such  a  summary  could  not 
appeal.  Some  of  the  shareholders  understood  and  appreciated 
the  conditions,  but,  with  but  few  exceptions,  all  desired  the  ac 
complishment  of  the  undertaken  task,  either  for  the  sake  of  pre 
serving  and  fostering  things  German  in  America,  or  (and  in  this 
rubric  falls  the  greater  number)  to  gain  a  more  comfortable  and 
independent  livelihood  than  had  been  theirs  in  Europe.  A  letter 
from  Hermann,  printed  anonymously  in  the  "Anzeiger  des  Wes- 
tens"  and  copied  in  the  "Alte  und  Neue  Welt/'  bears  evidence  to 
both  phases  of  the  question  discussed. 

Hermann,  d.  i.     Juni  1838.* 
Werther  Herr  Weber! 

Ich  will  Ihnen  eine  getreue  Ansicht  von  dem  Zustand 

und  den  Hoffnungen  Hermann's  geben. 

Es  ist  nicht  alles  so  wie  der  Prasidial-Bericht  vom  14.  April 
d.  J.  meldet.  Es  war  ein  Fehler,  Einem  Manne,  ohne  gehorige 


*A.  und  N.  A.  of  July  7,  1838. 


74  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Kontrole,  so  viel  Macht  einzuraumen.  Diesem  1st  jetzt  abgeholfen, 
weil  wir  dem  General-Agenten  eine  Verwaltungs-Kommittee  zur 
Seite  gesetzt.  Gewiss  ist's,  dass  ein  besserer  Platz  fiir  die  Zwecke 
der  Gesellschaft  nicht  leicht  hatte  gefunden  warden  konnen.  Die 
Lage  der  Stadt  Hermann  verspricht  viel  als  eine  Stadt  im  Innern, 
der  Platz  ist  gesund,  geschiitzt  vor  Ueberschwemmungen,  reich  an 
Wasserquellen,  und  von  einem  fruchtbaren  und  romantischen  Land- 
striche  umgeben.  Die  finanziellen  Verhaltnisse  der  Gesellschaft  sind 
bei  weitem  nicht  so  gut  als  man  erwartet,  aber  dessen  ungeachtet 
wird  fur  mehrere  Jahre  ein  hinreichender  Fond  vorhanden  sein, 
um  die  Stadt  verschonern  und  vielen  Arbeitern  Verdienst  geben  zu 
konnen;  zumal  wenn  alle  Ruckstande  einkommen.  .  .  . 

Es  wohnen  hier  bereits  neben  Ober-  und  Niederlandern, 
Schweizer,  Franzosen,  Schotten  und  Amerikaner,  welche  aber  sicher- 
lich  nicht  mit  den  ,,Natives"  zu  verwechseln  sind.  Es  ist  ein  treuer 
unverdorbener  Menschenschlag,  wie  man  ostlich  nicht  mehr  findet. 
Die  innwohnenden  Amerikaner  interessiren  sich  sehr  fiir  Hermann, 
welches  indess  schon  in  ihrem  eigenen  Interesse  liegt.  Aus  Obigem 
werden  Sie  schon  ersehen,  dass  die  Aussichten  fiir  Hermann  nicht 
anders  als  sehr  gut  sein  konnen. 

Von  den  Fremden,  welche  hierher  kamen,  ist  fast  keiner  wieder 
fortgegangen,  ohne  vorher  einen  Bauplatz  oder  Land  genommen  zu 
haben,  in  der  Absicht,  sobald  als  moglich  zuriickzukommen  und  sich 
anzusiedeln.  Viele  sind  schon  hauslich  eingerichtet  und  betreiben 
biirgerliche  Geschafte.  Man  kann  hier  alle  moglichen  Sachen  billig 
bekommen,  es  giebt  bereits  gute  Boardinghauser,  und  unser  Cigar- 
renfabrikant  liefert  sehr  gute  Ware  zu  4  Doll.  pr.  1000  Stuck.  Die 
innwohnenden  Amerikaner  liefern  uns  Lebensmittel,  die  nicht 
theuer  sind.  Butter  12^/2  cent,  Eier  i2l/2  c.,  Schweinefleisch  8  c., 
Hirschfleisch  2  c.,  Mehl  4  c.,  Welschkorn  50  c.  pr.  Bushel. 

Es  ware  zu  wiinschen,  dass  wir  die  ganze  Verwaltung  jetzt  bald 
hierher  bekamen  und  dass  recht  bald  iiber  den  Zustand  der  Kasse 
der  Dentschen  Ansieclltmgs-Gesellschaft  hinreichende  Auskunft  ge- 
geben  und  formliche  Rechnung  abgelegt  wiirde.  Wir  wiirden  dann 
im  Stande  sein  unsere  Mittel  besser  zu  iibersehen  um  unsere  Unter- 
nehmungen  darnach  einrichten  zu  konnen. 

Wir  wollen  jetzt  um  Einrichtung  einer  Postoffice  nachsuchen. 
Bis  jetzt  werden  unsere  Brief e  nach  Bridgeport,  Warren  County, 
Mo.,  adressirt." 

In  the  next  to  the  last  paragraph  of  the  above  letter,  we 
have  an  early  outcropping  of  a  sentiment  which  soon  grew  into  a 
demand.  Of  this  demand  we  shall  have  yet  to  speak  at  length. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,   Missouri.  75 

However,  before  we  deal  with  this  graver  side  of  our  theme  we 
desire  to  give  place  to  some  more  information  regarding  the 
growth  of  the  colony.  This  information  coming  as  it  does  from 
presumably  authentic  and  veracious  individuals  must  prove  valu 
able  as  well  as  interesting.  We  must  regret  that  for  reasons 
known  to  himself  the  editor  has  not  published  the  names  of  the 
authors  of  some  of  these  letters. 

Hermann,  Mo.,  den  13.  Marz  1839.* 

Unsere  Ansiedlung  geht  prachtig  von  Statten;  taglich  treffen 
neue  Ankommlinge  hier  ein ;  iiber  50  neue  Hauser  sind  dem  Aufrich- 
ten  nahe  und  unsere  unheilverkiindenden  Landsleute,  denen  ahn- 
liche  Unternehmungen  scheiterten,  oder  die  durch  uns  sich  beein- 
trachtigt  glaubten,  streichen  ihre  feindlichen  Flaggen  und  suchen 
bei  uns  Brod  und  Unterkommen.  .  .  .  Lassen  Sie  sich  durch  Ge- 
riichte  iiber  hier  stattgefundene  Storungen  nicht  irre  leiten;  durch 
Consequenz,  Streben  nach  Wahrheit  und  verniinftiges  Ausharren 
wird  auch  das  Schwierigste  beseitigt  und  Alles  arbeitet  nun  einig, 
freudig  vorwarts;  die  Lots  gehen  jetzt  reissend  ab  und  solche  welche 
gut  gelegen  sind,  werden  aus  zweiter  Hand  fur  150  Doll,  gekauft 
und  steigen  taglich  an  Werth.  Wharf -Lots  werden,  nach  Lage, 
auf  4  bis  500  Doll,  gehalten.  —  Hauschen  von  circa  200  Doll,  an 
Werth,  vermiethen  sich  zu  5  Doll,  per  Monat  und  tragen  also  30 
Procent  ein.  Der  Preis  des  Landes  ist  nun  auf  21/^  Doll,  im  Durch- 
schnitt  festgesetzt,  da  eine  Eintheilung  in  Classen  unzweckmassig 
erschien,  eine  Taxation  nicht  gut  moglich  und  zu  kostspielig  war, 
und  so  alle  billig  denkenden  Interessenten  zufrieden  sein  konnen. 
Der  Missouri  war  gestiegen,  sieht  aber  seit  einigen  Tagen  wieder 
triib  aus.  Drei  Dampfbote  landeten  hier  und  brachten  uns  eine 
Menge  Fremde." 

In  an  earlier  part  of  this  work,  we  called  attention  to  the  in 
terest  the  Philadelphia  Society  aroused  in  Germany.  Then  we 
recorded  an  appeal  which  an  editor  made  to  his  countrymen  to 
support  such  a  laudable  undertaking.  Now  we  are  about  to 
chronicle  a  tangible  proof  that  the  seed  sown  by  the  American 
society  was  about  to  bear  fruit. 

In  May,  1839,  the  officers  of  the  Philadelphia  Society  re 
ceived  a  communication  from  one  F.  G.  Sprewitz,  a  lawyer  by 


A.  und  N.  W.  of  April  6th,  1839. 


76  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

profession,  in  Lauenburg,  on  the  Elbe.  It  appears  that  the  good 
reports  of  the  Hermann  colony  had  been  heard  beyond  the  At 
lantic,  and  given  an  incentive  for  the  organization  of  a  "Neue 
deutsche  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft."  Mr.  Sprewitz  inclosed  a 
copy  of  the  constitution  of  this  organization,  in  the  name  of  the 
European  body,  he  expressed  the  wish  that  this  constitution  be 
published  in  the  official  organ  of  the  Philadelphia  Society  together 
with  the  overtures  to  consolidate  the  two  societies  into  one  grand 
and  mighty  body.  Though  the  American  Germans  did  not  feel 
inclined  to  enter  upon  this  proposition,  it  will  be  of  interest,  nev 
ertheless,  to  read  the  article  of  the  Lauenburger : 

,,Am  27.  August  1836  ward  in  Philadelphia  die  sogenannte 
deutsche  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  gestiftet,  deren  Zweck  gleich  An- 
fangs  darin  bestand,  durch  Aktien  zu  25  Doll,  ein  Kapital  zu  gewin- 
nen,  um  davon  in  einem  der  nordamerikanischen  Freistaaten  Land 
zur  Ansiedlung  und  wo  moglich  zur  Griindung  einer  Stadt  ankau- 
fen  zu  konnen.  Der  Erfolg  war  so  iiberaus  lohnend,  dass  die  Actie 
schon  vor  Ablauf  eines  Jahres  50  Doll,  gait,  und  dass  im  Friihjahr 
vorigen  Jahres  von  den  Capitalien  der  Gesellschaft  die  neue  Stadt 
Hermann  im  Missouristaate  mit  2200  Bauplatzen  gegrimdet  ward. 
Dies  bei  den  giinstigen  Verhaltnissen  jenes  schonen  Landes  ganz 
naturliche  Gelingen  brachte  mehrere  Actieninhaber  auf  die  Idee, 
dass  ein  noch  glanzenderes  Resultat  zu  erwarten  sein  mochte,  wenn 
in  Deutschland  selbst,  einem  der  Hauptzufliisse  der  Bevolkerung 
Nord-Amerika's?  eine  solche  Niederlassungs-Gesellschaft  gegriindet 
wiirde.  In  der  That  scheint  auch  Auswanderungslustigen  nichts 
willkommener  sein  zu  konnen,  als  ein  Vereinigungspunkt,  den  ihnen 
die  zu  stiftende  Stadt,  wo  sie  ein  wohlfeiles  und  unverlierbares 
Eigenthum  besitzen,  darbieten  wiirde,  —  ein  Vereinigungspunkt, 
wo  man  deutsche  Sprache  und  Sitte  wieder  vorfindet.  Besonders 
wird  den  Aelteren,  welche  fur  die  Zukunft  ihrer  Kinder  im  iiber- 
volkerten  Geburtslande  besorgt  sind,  und  denjenigen,  welche  Be- 
forderer  des  Gemeinnutzens  sind,  oder  welche  ihr  Geld  auf  eine 
sichere  und  zugleich  gewinnreiche  Weise  unterzubringen  wiinschen, 
eine  neue  deutsche  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  am  Herzen  liegen. 
Dieses  Alles  beriicksichtigend,  hat  Unterzeichneter  nachstehende 
Statuten  fur  eine  ,,neue  deutsche  Niederlassungs-Gesellschaft"  in 
Gemassheit  einer  an  ihn  ergangenen  Aufforderung  entworfen. 
Dieser  Aufforderung  lag  vornehmlich  zum  Grunde,  dass  der  gegen- 
wartige  auf  das  Dreifache  erhohte  Werth  der  Actien  der  alten  Ge 
sellschaft  eine  Vergrosserung  des  Gesellschaftsvermogens  durch 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  77 

Hinzutreten  neuer  Mitglieder  nicht  mehr  erwarten  lasst,  und  zu- 
gleich  die  von  der  alten  Gesellschaft,  behufs  Ermittelung  passender 
Ansiedlungsorter,  durch  die  kostspieligen  Reisen  eines  bestimmten 
Deputirtenausschusses  erworbenen  Localnotizen,  zum  besten  der 
neuen  Gesellschaft  benutzt  werden  konnen."* 

F.  G.  Sprewitz,  Advokat. 
Lauenburg,  im  Marz    1839. 

This  shows  how  popular  the  movement  had  become  even  be 
yond  the  sea.  The  Philadelphians  did  not  favor  the  proposition 
and  it  soon  fell  into  forgetfulness  without  bearing  any  fruit  what 
soever. 

Among  the  many  valuable  accounts  and  suggestions  found  in 
the  "Alte  und  Neue  Welt''  we  find  a  letter  from  Hermann 
signed  by  three  members.  It  is  the  last  communication  of  this 
nature  from  the  colony  during  the  regime,  under  which  it  was  or 
ganized.  We  report  it,  because  it  gives  an  excellent  picture  of 
a  prosperous,  promising  socialistic  group. 

Hermann,  Mo.,  d.  15.  Mai  1839. 

,,Wer  jetzt  das  Gebiet  der  ,,deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft" 
betritt,  wer  es  bedenkt,  dass  erst  ein  Jahr  verflossen,  seit  die  ersten 
Mitglieder  der  Gesellschaft  hier  Hand  an's  Werk  legten?  und  wer 
es  weiss,  mit  wie  vielen  Schwierigkeiten  eine  neue  Ansiedlung  zu 
kampfen  hat,  der  kann  es  kaum  glauben,  dass  in  so  kurzer  Zeit  und 
im  Beginne  durch  so  wenige  Personen  das  bewirkt  worden,  was 
sich  jetzt  dem  Blicke  des  aufmerksamen  Beobachters  darbietet.  — 
Taglich  kommen  neue  Ansiedler  an,  und  man  kann  mit  Bestimmt- 
heit  annehmen,  dass  in  den  letzten  drei  Monaten  im  Durchschnitt 
jede  Woche  ein  Haus  aufgerichtet  wurde.  Man  baut  hier  nur 
Frame-  oder  steinerne  Hauser,  indem  die  Blockhauser  nicht  mehr 
zu  gef alien  scheinen.  Es  sind  jetzt  gegen  90  Hauser  erbaut  und 
die  Zahl  der  Bewohner  belauft  sich  auf  450. 

Die  Farmer,  welche  Land  gekauft  haben,,  eilen  herbei  und  be- 
arbeiten  es.  Wir  haben  hier  fast  alle  Geschaftsleute ;  sie  haben 
Arbeit  und  leben  billig.  Ein  Mann,  der  sein  Handwerk  gut  ver- 
steht,  kann  12  Doll,  die  Woche  verdienen.  Es  sind  hier  5  Kauf- 
laden,  zwei  grosse  Gasthauser  und  ein  Postamt.  Fur  eine  katholi- 
sche  und  eine  evangelische  Kirche  sind  die  Lots  ausgesucht  und  das 


*  A.  und  N.  A.  of  May  25,  1839. 


78  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Schulhaus  ist  im  Bau  begrifren.  Zwei  Jager-Compagnien  haben 
sich  hier  gebildet,  jede  50  Mann  stark,  nebst  einem  Musik-Chor  mit 
Blech-Instrumenten. 

Man  hat  Eisenerz  gefunden  und  nach  mehreren  Zeichen  zu 
schliessen  miissen  auch  Kohlenlager  vorhanden  sein.  Der  Missouri 
ist  jetzt  so  hoch,  dass  die  Dampfschiffe  nahe  an  den  Kaufladen  am 
Wharf  landen. 

Alles  ist  hier  guten  Muthes  und  strebt  freudig  vorwarts. 

J.  N.  Sttihlinger, 
Aug.  Leonhard, 
F.  W.  Pommer.* 


The  tone  of  this  letter  is  hopeful,  it  is  encouraging.  Despite 
the  petty  protests  offered  by  some  of  the  participants,  to  existing 
conditions  at  Hermann,  the  colony  grew  apace.  Fundamentally 
the  society  was  sound.  Though  individual  differences  and  per 
sonal  opinions  sometimes  threw  the  settlers  into  hostile  camps, 
after  all  the  original  plans  were  rather  closely  adhered  to,  for  the 
accomplishment  of  the  proposed  end. 

On  July  23,  1838,  an  enterprise  was  begun  at  the  colony, 
which,  though  it  did  not  succeed  in  yielding  the  full  measure  of 
good  expected  of  it,  was  nevertheless,  an  encouraging  sign  of 
the  American  help-yourself  spirit.  The  growth  of  the  colony  was 
encumbered  by  the  want  of  a  grist  and  saw  mill.  It  seemed  im 
possible  for  the  home  society  to  render  aid.  Therefore  a  num 
ber  of  settlers  bent  on  bringing  about  this  commodity  and  at  the 
same  time  introducing  a  lucrative  business,  organized  a  milling 
company.  The  nucleus  of  the  new  enterprise  was  formed  by  a 
group  of  men,  who,  with  two  exceptions,  had  hitherto  been  to 
tally  inactive  in  the  management  of  affairs.  The  names  appear 
ing  subjoined  to  the  writ  of  incorporation  are  the  following: 
Joseph  Snyder,  Henry  Wiemann,  D.  Widersprecher,  Geo.  F. 
Bayer,  Fried.  Leupold,  Fried.  Muhlenbach.  It  was  a  stock  com 
pany.  Each  share  cost  $25,  payable  in  five  equal  payments,  due 
during  the  period  from  Aug.  i,  1838,  to  Jan.  i,  1839.  The  max- 


*A.  und  N.   W.  of  June  15,  1839. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  79 

imum  cost  of  the  mill  was  set  at  $2,500.00.  Although  the  changes 
that  were  soon  to  be  made  at  Hermann  prevented  this  company 
from  actually  going  into  operation,  it  is  nevertheless  a  sign  of 
progress  not  to  be  overlooked. 

To  facilitate  and  encourage  the  work  of  colonization,  and  to 
assist  incoming  colonists,  a  bureau  of  information  was  organized 
in  St.  Louis.  One  Neumann,  residing  on  "lower  Market  Street," 
issued  certificates  of  purchase,  and  instructed  the  travelers  as  to 
the  most  convenient  ways  of  travel  to  Hermann.  Branch  offices 
were  also  established  with  Schachleiter,  of  Pittsburg;  Charles 
Liebau,  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  Hunn,  of  Louisville,  Kentucky. 

5.  THE  SEPARATION  OF  THE  COLONY  FROM  THE  PARENT 

SOCIETY. 

It  now  becomes  our  duty  to  chronicle  the  closing  scenes  of 
the  Philadelphia  Society  and  the  beginnings  of  independent  ac 
tivity  at  Hermann. 

To  the  minds  of  the  unselfish  fathers  of  the  German  Settle 
ment  Society  of  Philadelphia  it  had  never  occurred  that  the  spirit 
of  ungratefulness,  the  desire  for  self  aggrandizement,  an  appar 
ent  disregard  of  the  rights  of  others  would  so  soon  dominate  the 
settlers  of  that  colony  which  their  ardor,  their  devotion  and  self- 
sacrifice  had  succeeded  in  establishing — a  colony  that  still  stands, 
in  a  slightly  altered  form,  as  a  monument  to  those  noble  sons  of 
old  Germany.  Yet  such  were  their  bitter  experiences.  Such  was 
to  be  their  sore  disappointment.  The  ideal  heights  could  not  be 
reached.  The  way  was  full  of  hindrances.  They  had  overesti 
mated  the  power,  the  determination  and  willingness  of  their  fol 
lowers  to  overcome  them.  Scarcely  had  the  task  of  winning  the 
wild  tract  for  the  abode  of  man  begun,  when  here  and  there  a 
voice  was  raised  arguing  the  advantages  of  a  severance  from  the 
home  society.  The  occasional  murmurs  soon  became  frequent  and 
bold.  To  the  unbiased  observer  they  now  seem  rather  premature. 
If  for  no  other  reason  than  the  prestige,  which  the  undertaking 
derived  from  the  connection  with  highly-esteemed  Germans,  re- 


8o  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

siding  at  the  very  cradle  of  Germanism  in  America,  the  separa 
tion  of  the  Colony  from  the  home  society  should  have  been  de 
layed.  In  proportion  as  the  old  fighters  for  the  good  cause  were 
pushed  into  the  background,  in  that  proportion  general  interest 
waned.  The  great  mass  of  argument  produced  to  hasten  the 
transfer  of  the  governing  body  to  the  colony  may  very  well  be 
expressed  in  the  language  of  the  Jewish  mob :  " Wir  wollen  nicht 
dass  diese  (r)  iiber  uns  herrsche  (n)."  Some  of  their  reasons 
were,  of  course,  cogent  and  well-founded.  This  we  shall  see  in 
the  course  of  our  discussion. 

The  home  society  had  never  entertained  the  intention  of  ex 
ercising  continued  supervision  over  the  colony.  Its  primary  pur 
pose  had  always  been  the  founding  of  a  home  for  things  German 
on  the  western  continent,  and  it  was  deemed  best  to  have  this  ex 
periment  centralized  in  a  town  where  the  beneficent  influences  of 
culture  could  work  to  the  best  advantage  and  to  surround  this 
town  with  colony  farms  from  which  should  be  derived  the  major 
portion  of  the  means  of  subsistence.  It  had  always  been  under 
stood,  as  in  the  nature  of  things  it  was  but  rational  to  understand, 
that  the  colonists  should  govern  themselves  as  soon  as  they  were 
found  strong  enough  to  do  so,  and  offered  sufficient  guarantee  of 
the  absolute  safety  of  the  interests  of  all  stockholders.  It  so  hap 
pened  that  many  capable  men  went  to  the  colony  early — some  of 
the  best  the  society  had  on  its  roster.  They  were  eager  to  have 
absolute  self-government.  And  we  can  not  blame  them  for  that. 
The  distance  to  Philadelphia  was  so  great  and  communication  so 
slow  that  many  inconvenient  delays  occurred.  Then  too  the  home 
society  could  not  appreciate  in  the  fullest  measure  the  conditions 
and  pressing  needs  of  the  colony.  But  still  we  believe  that  a  firm 
connection  with  the  Philadelphia  men,  tried  and  not  found  want 
ing,  would  have,  in  itself,  argued  better  and  more  convincingly 
than  a  thousand  letters  of  promise,  assurance  and  commendation 
on  the  part  of  the  colonists.  For  the  sake  of  the  ultimate  good, 
for  a  means  of  advertisement  as  well  as  advertising,  for  a  positive 
guarantee  of  the  good  intention  of  the  whole  undertaking  the  old 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  81 

society  should  have  been  kept  at  the  helm  longer  than  it  was  per 
mitted  to  stay. 

The  first  concession  of  power,  acquiescing  to  urgent  requests 
from  Hermann,  was  miade  on  July  2nd,  '38,  when  the  Board  of 
Managers,  after  learning  positively  that  Bayer  could  not  supervise 
the  affairs  alone,  voted : 

,,So  halt  der  Verwaltungs-Rath  es  fur  nothwendig  die  Gesetz- 
gebung  und  Verwaltung  den  Mitgliedern  in  Hermann  soweit  zu 
iibertragen,  als  es  die  Localitat  und  die  Bediirfnisse  der  Mitglieder 
erheischen." 

This  suggestion  was  favorably  received,  and  the  Board  of 
Managers  at  once  instructed  to  work  out  a  definite  plan  pointing 
towards  the  transfer.  The  board  was  charged  to  submit  their  re 
port  within  5  days.  This  body  promptly  complied  with  the  order, 
and  on  July  7th,  the  society  accepted  the  report  unmodified.  The 
resolutions  were  prefaced  by  these  reasons  why  a  partial  transfer 
was  deemed  advisable. 

1.  Because  a  large  number  of  shareholders  already  resided 
at  and  around  Hermann,  they  might  be  safely  intrusted  with  a 
proportionate  share  of  the  management  and  responsibility.     It 
was  deemed  especially  desirable  to  do  so,  since  they  were  most 
mtitrnately  acquainted  with  the  local  needs  and  possibilities. 

2.  Because  the  agent,  G.  F.  Bayer,  for  unknown  reasons, 
had  failed  to  abide  by  his  instructions  and  it  was  not  known  if  he 
had  even  performed  his  first  duty  of  appointing  a  controlling 
committee. 

3.  Because  the  affairs  of  the  society  were  speedily  approach 
ing  that  period  when  a  transfer  of  the  entire  management  would 
become  imperative,  and  a  balancing  of  all  accounts  necessary. 
Therefore,  it  was  resolved  that  the  following  men,  Julius  Leupold, 
E.  C.  Staffhorst,  W.  Senn,  M.  Krauter     and  W.    L.    Henrich, 
should  call  a  meeting  of  all  the  colonists  for  the  purpose  of  effect 
ing  the  permanent  organization  of  an  executive  committee.    The 
report  continues  thus : 

,,Die  Versammlung  hat  alsdann  einen  Prasidenten,  einen  Vice- 


82  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Prasidenten,  einen  Sekretair,  einen  Schatzmeister  und  funf  Trusties 
zu  wahlen.  Der  Prasident,  Vice-Prasident  und  Sekretair  der  exe 
cutiven  Committee,  nebst  vier  von  der  letzteren  zu  wahlenden  Mit- 
glieder  sollen  eine  spezielle  Committee  bilden,  deren  Pflicht  es  sein 
soil,  unverziiglich  den  General-Agenten  Herrn  Bayer  zur  Abrech- 
nung  aufzufordern,  welche  letzterer  vor  der  genannten  speziellen 
Committe  abzulegen  hierdurch  verpflichtet  ist  und  zwar  innerhalb 
vierzehn  Tagen  von  dem  Tage  an  gerechnet,  an  welchem  diese  Auf- 
forderung  an  ihn  gemacht  wird. 

Die  besagte  spezielle  Committee  soil  ferner  bewirken,  dass  alle 
in  den  Handen  des  General-Agenten  befindlichen  Gelder  und  son- 
stiges  Eigenthum  der  Gesellschaft,  welches  von  dem  General-Agen 
ten  noch  nicht  an  die  Trusties  der  Gesellschaft  uberschrieben  wor- 
den  ist,  von  jenem  an  die  von  der  executiven  Committee  gewahlten 
funf  Trusties  iibergeben  werde.  Der  General-Agent  ist  hierdurch 
verpflichtet,  solche  Uebergabe  der  vorhergehenden  Bestimmung  ge- 
mass  zu  machen. 

Die  mehrgenannte  spezielle  Committee  soil  ferner  das  Amt  und 
die  Pflichten  der  in  der  Instruktion  des  General-Agenten  angeord- 
neten  controlierenden  Committee  iibernehmen.  Dabei  soil  jedoch 
die  Abanderung  stattfinden,  dass  zur  Suspension  des  General- 
Agenten  die  Uebereinstimmung  von  vier  iMitgliedern  der  genannten 
speziellen  Committee  und  die  Mehrheit  der  executiven  Committee 
erforderlich  sein  soil.  Die  spezielle  Committee  soil  ferner  die 
Pflicht  haben  wenigstens  alle  zwei  Wochen  an  die  executive  Com 
mittee,  sowohl  als  die  Gesellschaft  umstandlich  Bericht  iiber  den 
Fortgang  ihrer  Geschafte  zu  erstatten. 

Die  executive  Committee  soil  sich  regelmassig  wenigstens  alle 
zwei  Wochen  versammeln  und  der  Gesellschaft  wenigstens  alle  vier 
Wochen  Bericht  iiber  den  Fortgang  ihrer  Geschafte  abstatten.  Die 
executive  Committee  soil  ferner  die  von  ihr  zu  erwahlenden  funf 
Trusties  sowie  den  Schatzmeister  unter  passende  Verbindlichkeiten 
legen,  um  die  Gesellschaft  vor  Schaden  zu  htiten. 

Ueberhaupt  wird  der  executiven  Committee  empfohlen,  ihre 
Geschafte  innerhalb  der  genannten  Grenzen  dahin  zu  leiten,  dass 
sobald  als  moglich,  die  Gesellschaft  zu  der  Ueberzeugung  kommen 
moge,  dass  es  mit  ihrer  Sicherheit  und  ihrem  besten  Gedeihen  uber- 
einstimme  die  ganze  Regierung  der  Gesellschaft  nach  der  Stadt 
Hermann  zu  verlegen. 

Wilhelm  Schmoele,  Pras. 

Philadelphia,  am  7ten  Juli  1838. 

It  is  at  once  seen  that  by  these  resolutions  the  agent's  duties 
were  curtailed  to  such  an  extent  that  scarcely  more  than  the 
name  of  the  office  remained.  Obviously  one  of  the  purposes  of 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  83 

the  action  was  to  have  this  officer  supervised  by  a  strong  and  vig 
orous  and  obedient  body.  From  now  on  the  agent  appears  only 
as  a  figure  head,  and  early  in  October  the  unfortunate  man  was 
released  from  his  position  entirely.  He  had  worked  hard  and 
self-sacrificingly  for  the  company.  He  had  left  a  good  and  peace 
ful  employment  and  subjected  himself  and  family  to  great  hard 
ship.  There  is  no  doubt  whatsoever  in  our  mind,  that  he  did  all 
within  the  power  of  one  man  and  he  did  even  more.  Because  of 
the  extremely  strenuous  service  to  the  colony,  he  contracted  se 
rious  illness.  The  nervous  strain,  brought  upon  him,  at  this  time, 
through  evidences  of  distrust  from  selfish,  ignorant,  and  even 
caluminious  contemporaries,  finally  broke  his  strength  and  in 
March,  1839,  he  died.  His  remains  now  rest  in  a  remote  corner 
of  the  town  cemetery,  wnich  he  had  laid  out  with  his  own  hand. 
A  modest  marble  slab  marks  his  final  resting-place.  The  simple 
inscription  bears  little  more  than  his  name  and  the  dates  Sept.  27, 
1800,  and  March  18,  1839. 

As  to  the  colony — the  resolutions  gave  the  members  prospect 
of  early  self  government.  It  now  virtually  depended  upon  the 
pioneers  themselves,  whether  they  would  soon  be  independent  or 
not.  As  soon  as  they  could  satisfy  the  home  society  beyond  the 
least  doubt  that  they  were  capable  of  managing  the  affairs  judi 
ciously  and  profitably  and  fairly  for  all  stockholders,  theirs  was 
to  be  absolute  freedom  of  action. 

The  home  society  remained  firm  in  the  opinion  that  the  trans 
fer  would  be  productive  of  mutual  good.  At  least  this  was  their 
position  for  a  long  while.  The  letters  of  Bayer  of  June  25th  and 
July  3rd,  were  read  on  Aug.  2.  They  seem  to  have  made  but  a 
slight  impression  on  the  members.  Certainly  they  did  not  place 
the  agent  in  a  more  favorable  ligiit  with  them.  They  only  re 
peated  their  demand  for  a  settlement  with  that  officer.  The  agent, 
by  virtue  of  the  power  and  authority  vested  in  his  office,  had 
sold  shares  at  Hermann.  It  was  these  sales  that  now  worried 
the  Philadelphians  most  of  all.  The  agent  had  not  reported  the 
details  of  these  transactions.  This  anxiety  was  quite  natural,  and 


84  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

even  commendable,  for  the  money  represented  the  very  life  sub 
stance  of  the  organization.  They  did  not  understand  then  why 
their  representative  had  not  reported  the  details  of  his  business 
at  stated  intervals.  But  even  when  on  Sept.  6th,  Bayer's  letter 
of  Aug.  loth  was  read,  in  which  he  presented  a  plea  for  himself, 
even  then  they  did  not  change  their  opinion  of  the  affair.  They 
only  repeated  for  a  third  time  their  request  for  a  speedy  summing 
up  of  affairs,  adding: 

,,Dass  die  General- Versammlung  (wenn  es  die  Muttergesell- 
schaft  fur  gut  findet)  von  hier  aus  nach  Hermann  mit  alien  den 
Protokollen  und  Buchern  der  Gesellschaft  u.  s.  w.  verlegt  werde." 

On  November  ist,  the  report  of  the  special  committee  at 
Hermann  was  read.  When  on  the  8th  of  October,  Bayer's  term 
of  office  came  to  a  close,  the  special  committee  assumed  control, 
binding  the  colony  trustees — Senn,  Henrich,  Lender,  Wider- 
sprecher  and  Leupold  by  this  contract : 

I. 

,2Wir  endesunterschriebenen  Trustees  der  Deutschen  Ansied- 
lungs-Gesellschaft  in  Hermann  verpflichten  uns  hiedurch  alle  Ein- 
kaufe  der  Gesellschaft  in  unserem  Namen,  zum  Besten  der  Gesell 
schaft  zu  machen. 

ii. 

Wir  wollen  das  von  dem  General-Agenten,  Herrn  G.  F.  Bayer 
fur  die  Gesellschaft  gekaufte  noch  nicht  iiberschriebene  Land  sofort 
auf  uns  als  Trustees,  iiberschreiben  und  recordiren  lassen. 

III. 

Alle  welche  Actien  zu  kaufen  wiinschen  sollen  eine  Order  von 
der  Mehrzahl  von  uns,  als  Trustees  bekommen,  nach  welcher  die 
Kaufgelder  an  den  zeitigen  Schatzmeister  zu  bezahlen  sind,  wel 
cher  ermachtigt  ist  einen  Empfangschein  dariiber  auszustellen. 

IV. 

Wir  verpflichten  uns  der  speciellen  Committee  oder  den  zeiti 
gen  Beamten  der  Gesellschaft,  oder  im  Fall  die  Stadt  Hermann  bis 


'And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  85 

dahin  incorporirt  seyn  sollte,  den  Trustees  der  Stadt  Hermann  so- 
bald  als  fur  nothig  erachtet  werden  sollte,  alles  uns  iiberschriebene 
und  sonst  anvertraute  Eigenthuni  der  Gesellschaft  zuriickschreiben 
zu  lassen  und  abzuliefern. 

V. 

Wir  wollen  ein  genaues  Verzeichniss  fuhren  iiber  die  bereits 
verkauften  und  noch  zu  verkaufenden  Actien  und  die  zuriickgege- 
benen  Actienscheine  wollen  wir  sorgfaltig  aufbewahren. 

VI. 

Alle  in  den  Handen  des  General-Agenten  befindlichen  Gelder 
und  sonstiges  Eigenthum  der  Gesellschaft  welches  von  dem  General- 
Agenten  noch  nicht  an  die  Trustees  der  Gesellschaft  in  Philadelphia 
iiberschrieben  worden  ist,  soil  von  dem  Agenten  an  die  Trustees  in 
Hermann  iibergeben  und  von  denselben  in  Empfang  genommen 
werden. 

So  geschehen  —  Hermann,  8.  Oct.  1838." 

(Signatures.) 

Under  date  of  Nov.  3rd,  the  "Alte  und  Neue  Welt"  con 
tains  the  following  resolutions  signed  by  the  executive  committee 
at  Hermann : 

,,Dass  die  Mitglieder  hiermit  aufgefordert  seien,  sich  mit  den 
Trustees  hieselbst  iiber  die  in  Beschlag  genommenen  Lots  und 
Landereien  sofort  zu  berechnen,  und  zwar  bei  Verlust  ihrer  An- 
spriiche  darauf." 

From  this,  one  can  but  conclude  that  some  records  had  been 
loosely  kept  and  that  a  readjustment  was  deemed  necessary,  and 
that  vigorous  measures  were  resorted  to,  to  compel  all  concerned 
to  come  to  a  speedy  settlement. 

XJp  to  this  date  the  society  had  confidently  looked  forward 
to  an  early  transfer.  It  was  compelled  to  be  conservative,  how 
ever,  and  to  proceed  slowly,  because  too  many  interests  were  in 
volved  in  the  venture.  They  proceeded  entirely  too  slowly  for 
the  colonists,  however.  This  is  evidenced  by  a  letter  of  the  spe 
cial  committee  at  Hermann,  dated  December  27th,  which  assumes 


86  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

more  the  tone  of  a  demand  than  that  of  a  petition.  It  appears 
that  the  parent  society  was  negligent  about  forwarding  the  nec 
essary  authority.  This  they  forced  upon  the  Philadelphians'  at 
tention  in  terms  none  too  delicate.  We  quote  from  this  letter, 
for  the  reason  that  it,  in  itself,  reflects  better  the  milieu  in  which 
it  arose,  than  any  abstract  or  translation  we  could  make  of  it. 

,,Die  bisherigen  Fortschritte  dieser  Ansiedlung  sind  wahrlich 
die  Friichte  Ihrer  Fiirsorge  nicht,  wohl  aber  gereicht  der  Gesell- 
schaft  in  Philadelphia  zum  gerechten  Vorwurf,  dass  die  Ansiedlung 
den  viel  hoheren  Standpunkt  noch  nicht  erreicht  hat,  den  sie  nun 
einnehmen  mochte,  hatten  unverzeihliche  Missgriffe  und  Vernach- 
lassigungen  von  Philadelphia  aus,  ihren  Fortschritt  nicht  entgegen- 
gewirkt.  Diese  sind  insonderheit :  die  Absendung  eines  fur  seine 
Verpflichtungen  unfahigen  Agenten,  ohne  alle  specielle  schriftliche 
Instruktion  von  seiten  der  Trustees;  und  nach  dessen  Absetzung, 
das  Vorenthalten  jeglicher,  rechtskraftiger  Vollmacht,  welche  die, 
an  des  Agenten  Stelle  erwahlte  Committee  nur  ermachtigen  konnte, 
an  seiner  Statt  die  Geschafte  der  Gesellschaft  wahrzunehmen.  Die 
von  dort  gesandten  Instruktionen  fur  die  hier  erwahlten  Trustees 
waren  nicht  einmal  nach  der  Verfassung  unseres  Privat-Vereins 
giiltig,  da  sie  nur  von  zweien  der  dasigen  Trustees  unterzeichnet 
waren,  nicht  einmal  soweit  schenkte  man  einer  so  wichtigen  Sache 
Aufmerksamkeit. 

Der  hiesigen  Verwaltung  liegen  unter  anderen,  die  Pflichten 
ob:  Deeds  fur  Land  und  Stadt-Lots  zu  ertheilen  —  denn  die  in 
Philadelphia  gedruckten  Scheme  konnen  unmoglich  als  Deeds  gel- 
ten,  und  viele  der  hiesigen  Ansiedler  haben  auch  diese  nicht  einmal 
—  wo  hat  sie  die  Vollmacht  dazu  ?  Ferner,  Ausstande  fur  Land  und 
Lots  einzuziehen,  wo  ist  Kraft  dazu  im  Weigerungsfalle  ?  Beson- 
ders  drikkend  macht  den  Mangel  an  gerichtlicher  Vollmacht,  die 
Unrichtigkeit  des  von  Herrn  Bayer  empfangenen  Deeds,  von  Mrs. 
Phillips,  uber  das  Land  worauf  der  ostliche  Theil  der  Stadt  Her 
mann  gelegen  ist,  und  nach  welchem  uns  dieses  Land  entschieden 
streitig  gemacht  warden  kann,  wird  eine  Berichtigung  des  Kauf- 
briefes  nicht  sofort  und  mit  Umsicht  betrieben!  Wer  hat  gegen- 
wartig  ein  Recht  hier  die  dazu  nothigen  Schritte  zu  thun,  zu  ver- 
langen?  Die  Stadt  Hermann  soil  incorporirt  werden,  und  ware 
es  schon,  aber  auf  wessen  Grund  und  Boden  ?  Wer  ist  Eigenthiimer 
oder  Reprasentant? 

Wer  soil  unter  diesen  und  vielen  anderen  unverhehlbaren  Mdn- 
geln  sich  entschliessen,  Grundeigenthum  von  dieser  Gesellschaft  zu 
kaufen?  und  mancher  Gutgewillte  hat  sich  auf  diesen  Grund  hin 


{And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  87 

schon  von  uns  zuriickgezogen !    Manche  die  da  kauften,  halten  sich 
f  iir  hintergangen  ! ! 

Den  General-Deed  uber  das  von  Bayer  gekaufte  Land,  fast  das 
wichtigste  Document  welches  die  Gesellschaft  besitzt,  erachtete  man 
fur  gutj  anstatt  der  Verwaltung  hier,  einem  benachbarten  Indivi- 
duum  Behufs  Recordirung  einzusenden,  fiir  dessen  Descretion  und 
Sorgfalt  sich  keiner  der  Unterschriebenen  zu  verbiirgen  wiinscht. 
Was  ist  aus  dem  Documente  geworden?  nach  Philadelphia  zuriick- 
gesandt  ist  es  bis  dato  nicht !  Doch  dies  ist  Ihre  Sorge,  uns  nachst 
liegt  im  Narnen  aller  deren,  fur  welche  wir  zu  handeln  verbunden 
sind  die  Aufforderung  an  Sie: 

Die  Deutsche  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  in  Hermann  ohne  fer- 
neren  unnothigen  Aufschub  in  juridischen  Besitz  aller  der  Rechte 
und  Vortheile  zu  setzen,  welche  sie  von  Ihnen  zu  fordern  hat,  und 
worauf  sie,  vertrauensvoll  auf  die  Weisheit  und  Fiirsorge  anderer 
nun  schon  zu  lange  verzichtet  hat! 

Die  unterzeichnete  Committee  rechnet  somit  zuversichtlich  auf 
die  prompteste  Erfiillung  ihres  Ansuchens,  und  zeichnet 

Achtungsvoll, 

Julius  Leupold, 
D.  Widersprecher, 
Lud.  Henrich, 
M.  Krauter, 
Georg  Rieffenstahl, 
Conrad  Baer." 


There  can  be  no  doubt  that  some  of  the  above  statements  are 
slightly  magnified,  in  order  to  bring  about  a  speedier  decision 
and  acquiescence  on  part  of  the  officers  at  Philadelphia. 

It  is  plainly  to  be  seen  that  the  colonists  would  accept  but  one 
term  and  that  was  absolute  separation  from  the  old  society.  Under 
these  conditions  the  originators  of  the  movement  must  have 
looked  forward  to  a  separation  with  a  certain  anticipation  of  re 
lief. 

Up  to  this  point  it  had  the  appearance  as  if  all  the  colonists 
desired  the  transfer.  To  the  great  surprise,  as  well  as  discomfort, 
it  now  came  to  light  that  the  settlers  entertained  very  different 
views  concerning  this  question.  In  one  of  these  hostile  camps 
were  grouped  most  of  the  towns  folk,  in  the  other  all  the  agricul 
turists  and  a  few  of  their  town  sympathizers.  The  former  cham- 


88  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

pioned  the  cause  of  the  transfer,  the  latter  sought  to  check  it.  The 
views  of  the  opposition  took  tangible  form  in  a  long  article  of 
protest,  written  at  Hermann,  Feb.  22,  1839,  and  signed  by  Dan 
iel  Trautwein. 

It  had  been  drawn  up  by  these  men,  Fr.  Husmann,  Fr.  Leu- 
pold  and  Daniel  Trautwein,  though  only  the  latter  affixed  his  sig 
nature  to  it.  This  committee  had  been  appointed  on  Feb.  iQth  at 
a  special  meeting  of  the  opponents  to  the  idea  of  the  transfer. 
The  incorporation  of  the  town  of  Hermann  had  been  sought  for  at 
the  same  time  that  negotiations  were  entered  into  for  the  trans 
fer.  The  case  was  unmistakably  plain,  that  if  this  incorporation 
took  effect,  if  the  town  of  Hermann  became  the  custodian  of  the 
society  property,  then  in  the  nature  of  things  the  town  was  the 
society.  To  this  very  amalgamation  the  country-folk  most  vig 
orously  objected.  And  why  should  they  not?  If  the  town-peo 
ple  carried  their  point,  the  farmers  had  been  duped ;  they  had  pro 
moted  an  undertaking  for  the  good  of  others ;  they  had  failed  to 
gain  any  returns  for  a  great  outlay.  No  wonder  then  that  the 
loyal  Trautwein  indignantly  bursts  out : 

,,Es  handelt  sich  um  Ausschliessung  eines  achtbaren,  wichtigen 
und  zahlreichen  Theiles  der  Gesellschaftsmitglieder  von  alien  Rech- 
ten  und  Vortheilen  der  Gesellschaft,  um  die  Beraubung  der  Land- 
bewohner  zum  Besten  der  Stadt.  Soil  der  Grundsatz  der  Rechts- 
gleichheit  aller  unserer  Mitglieder  schon  am  ersten  Morgen  unseres 
jungen  Lebens  niedergetreten  und  von  einem  deutschen  Whigismus 
verschlungen  werden?" 

Continuing,  he  points  out,  that  it  had  not  been  the  intention 
of  the  founders  of  the  society  to  establish  a  town  only,  but  "eine 
lebenvolle  Deutsche  Ansiedlung  Landwirthe  eben  sowohl  als 
Gewerbe  teibende  Stadter."  Quite  sensibly  he  remarks : 

,,Wie  hatte  auch  eine  deutsche  Stadt  inmitten  einer  amerikani- 
schen  Landbevolkerung  eine  Heimath  fur  uns  werden  konnen?  Eine 
Oase  in  der  Wiiste  —  bald  uberweht  von  deren  austrocknenden 
Sande!  Wir  sollten  ein  Ganzes  seyn,  ein  Ganzes  bleiben,  gleiche 
Rechte  geniessen,  ob  wir  es  vorziehen  sollten  auf  dem  Lande  oder 
in  der  Stadt  zu  leben." 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  89 

He  condemns  the  presumptuousness  of  the  townsfolk  to  at 
tempt  to  become  sole  beneficiaries.  He  strengthens  his  point  by 
showing  that  the  farmers  have  the  same  constitutional  right  as  all 
others,  and  could  as  well  claim  exclusive  recognition  as  their  vil 
lage  friends. 

The  chief  agitators  urging  an  unconditional  transfer,  seem 
to  have  been  D.  Widersprecher  and  Julius  Leupold.  Both  of 
them  were  rather  eccentric  and — selfish.  They  were  forced  to 
appear  before  the  assembly  of  Feb.  19  at  Hermann  to  explain 
their  position  and  their  action.  They  claimed  to  have  acted  upon 
the  authority  of  a  resolution  of  October  28th,  1838,  according  to 
which  all  the  property  of  the  society  had  been  transferred  to  the 
town  of  Hermann.  No  one  recalled  such  a  resolution.  An  in 
vestigation  was  instigated.  The  books  contained  not  a  syllable  of 
such  an  act.  Under  the  minutes  of  the  special  committee,  how 
ever,  an  unapproved  resolution  was  found : 

,,Dass  es  die  hochste  Zeit  sei,  um  Inkorporirung  der  Stadt  Her 
mann  bei  der  am  6ten  des  nachsten  Monats  sitzenden  County  Court 
nachzusuchen,  zur  Wahl  von  5  Trustees  der  Stadt  Hermann,  wie 
das  Gesetz  sie  vorschreibt,  am  nachsten  Montag,  als  den  29ten  Oc 
tober,  Mittags  I  Uhr,  in  der  Wohnung  des  Herrn  Lehder  geschritten 
werden  soil.  Diese  Trustees  warden  sodann,  sobald  die  Stadt  Her 
mann  incorporirt  worden  ist,  das  ganze  Vermogen  der  Deutschen 
Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  zum  alleinigen  Nutzen  und  Frommen  der 
Stadt  Hermann  verwalten." 

This  was  a  rather  well  planned  ruse,  designed  to  dupe  the 
unsophisticated  farmers,  who,  however,  were  too  keenly  awake 
to  their  rights.  This  incident  marks  an  ugly  blot  on  the  record 
of  the  usually  square  dealing  townspeople.  Finding  his  party 
thus  defeated  at  this  point,  J.  Leupold  undertook  to  misinterpret 
paragraph  3  of  the  constitution,  presenting  it  in  such  a  light  as  if 
the  land  owning  members  were  not  entitled  to  the  same  privileges 
as  other  shareholders.  Of  course  he  was  instantly  corrected  by 
the  opposition,  for  they  knew  only  too  well  what  part  of  the  basic 
laws  contained  their  support. 


90  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

In  conclusion  Trautwein  pleads  for  the  rights  of  the  rural 
constituency.  He  does  this  in  a  number  of  interrogations,  more 
forceful  than  a  series  of  declarations : 

,,Worin  bestanden  denn  unter  Herrn  Leupolds  und  Wider- 
sprechers  System  die  Vorziige  der  landbewohnenden  Mitglieder  des 
Vereins  vor  anderen  umherwohnenden  Nichtmitgliedern?  Etwa 
darin,  dass  wir  unser  Land  theurer  bezahlen  diirfen  als  die  vom 
Staate  kaufenden  Nichtmitglieder  ?  Darin  dass  wir  die  Nachtheile 
zu  tragen  hatten,  ohne  die  Vortheile  geniessen  zu  diirfen?  Wel 
ches  Reizmittel  ware  diess  fur  Fremde  unser  Land  um  einen  theu- 
reren  Preis  zu  kaufen  als  sie  es  vom  Staate  haben  konnen?" 

As  was  to  be  expected,  this  communication  caused  the  Mut- 
tergesellschaft  to  reflect,  and  to  postpone  the  transfer  indefinitely. 
Previous  to  the  arrival  of  this  letter,  Wesselhoeft,  Schmidt  and 
Feuring  had  been  appointed  a  committee  to  council  as  to  the 
means  and  ways  of  transferring  the  management  to  Hermann 
without  imperilling  the  rights  of  the  shareholders.  They  were 
instructed  to  confer  with  the  special  committee  in  Missouri  and 
to  request  them  to  submit  suggestions.  On  February  i4th,  the 
committee  was  even  directed  to  begin  the  legal  steps  towards 
this  change.  But  Trautwein's  appeal  and  a  philippic  from  one 
Centner  caused  the  society  to  annul  all  these  actions.  It  was  now 
decided  to  abide  a  time  when  these  disturbances  might 
be  amicably  adjusted.  In  the  meantime  earnest  investigation  was 
conducted  by  the  officers.  Treasurer  Schmidt  was  sent  to  the 
colony  to  enquire : 

,,Ob  die  Gesetze  in  Missouri  es  erlauben,  dass  die  Landbewoh- 
ner  dasselbe  Stimmrecht  als  die  Stadtbewohner  haben." 

Though  the  matter  was  delayed,  there  was  no  question  but 
that  the  change  was  bound  to  come.  A  new  committee  consisting 
of  Klett,  Gentner  and  Stockfleht,  was  appointed  and  instructed 
to  see 

,,wie  und  auf  welche  Weise  die  Verlegung  der  Verwaltung  auf 
die  sicherste  Art  bewerkstelligt  werden  kann." 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  91 

In  June,  Schmidt  returned  and  urged  the  transfer  without 
delay. 

There  was  no  longer  any  doubt  that  the  end  must  soon  come. 
Several  meetings  had  been  called  at  Philadelphia,  but  no  quorum 
appeared.  Interest  had  died  out.  To  secure  yet  what  funds  they 
could,  the  treasurer  was  instructed: 

,,Eine  Aufforderung  ergehen  zu  lassen,  um  diejenigen  Acti- 
onare,  welche  ihre  Actienscheine  noch  nicht  abgeholt  haben,  zu  ver- 
anlassen,  dieses  schleunigst  zu  thun." 

A  great  number  of  letters  arrived  from  Hermann,  some 
signed  by  individuals,  some  by  a  great  number  of  persons ;  some 
favoring  the  change,  others  urging  continuation  of  the  old  regime. 
The  solution  of  the  problem  became  extremely  difficult. 

In  this  extremity  the  committee  on  transfer,  of  which  body 
the  president  of  the  society  was  ex-officio  member,  prepared  a 
long  report,  addressed  to  the  special  committee  at  Hermann. 
This  special  committee  consisted  of  the  following  five  gentlemen : 

J.  Leupold, 
M.  Krauter, 
Ludw.  Geis, 
Heinr.  Heckmann, 
Peter  Mullen 

The  report  is  headed  by  this  request  to  the  committee : 

,,Sie  sind  freundlichst  ersucht  so  schnell  als  moglich,  eine  Ver- 
sammlung  aller,  in  der  Ansiedlung  wohnenden  Mitglieder  der  Ge- 
sellschaft  zu  berufen  und  denselben  den  folgenden  Bericht  zur 
Verhandlung  vorzulegen." 

This  report,  written  July  ist,  1839,  contains  many  interest 
ing  points  hitherto  unmentioned.  It  reiterates  the  intentions  of 
the  society  in  regard  to  the  future  control  thus : 

,,Es  ist  der  einstimmige  Wunsch  der  Muttergesellschaft,  dass 
die  Verlegung  der  Verwaltung  so  bald  als  moglich  geschehe,  und 
nur  das  Streben,  die  Verlegung  auf  eine  die  Rechte  aller  Mitglieder 


92  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

sichernde  nnd  allgemein  befriedigende  Weise  vorzunehmen,  hat  die 
Ausfuhnmg  bisher  verzogert."  The  obstacles  to  an  absolute  transfer 
when  the  request  first  became  known  are  these : 

,,(i)  Der  damalige  Mangel  an  Personen  in  der  Ansiedlung 
welche  zu  gesetzlich  gultigen  Pfandhaltern  (Trustees)  gewahlt 
werden  konnten.  (2)  Der  Mangel  an  Sicherstellung  der  Privat- 
interessen  aller  ihre  Stadtlotten  noch  nicht  gewahlt  habenden  Mit- 
glieder  der  Gesellschaft,  indem  die  Wahl  der  Lotten  fur  diese  hatte 
konnen  ungebuhrlich  beschrankt  oder  erschwert  werden." 

It  is  conceded  that  this  first  hindrance  had  been  removed,  but 
it  is  emphatically  impressed  that  the  latter  problem  must  yet  be 
solved.  It  is  further  pointed  out  that  the  most  varied  and  con 
tradictory  reports  have  arrived  from  Hermann. 

I.  It  had  been  stated  that  a  most  threatening  agitation 
existed  at  the  colony.  2.  Certain  men  at  Hermann  advised  that 
all  action  be  deferred  until  this  difference  was  adjusted.  3.  The 
landowners  urged  continuation  of  control  by  the  home  society. 
4.  Others  proposed  that  the  form  of  management  remain  un 
changed,  only  the  residence  of  the  society  be  changed.  5.  The 
people  of  the  town  Hermann  demanded  complete  and  uncondi 
tional  yielding  to  their  proposition  to  consolidate  the  town  and 
the  society.  6.  It  was  not  known  whether  the  town  Hermann 
was  or  was  not  incorporated,  and,  if  so,  how. 

On  this  last  point  Schmidt,  who  had  just  been  in  Hermann, 
could  not  give  accurate  information.  It  was  positively  neces 
sary  to  know  whether  Jarvis'  land,  which  lay  adjoining  to  the 
colony,  had  also  been  incorporated  in  the  town.  Certain  conces 
sions  and  restrictions  hinged  on  this  fact.  As  a  matter  of  fact 
the  land  of  several  private  individuals  was  included  in  the  in 
corporation.  This  multiplied  the  difficulties  in  a  great  measure 
and  protracted  the  negotiations  greatly. 

The  committee  on  transference  was  given  a  most  delicate 
task  when  they  were  asked  to  find  an  equitable  settlement  of  the 
affair  so  variously  judged.  In  their  dilemma  they  finally  hit 
upon  a  course  which,  though  not  altogether  just,  was  neverthe- 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  93 

less  human.  The  beginning  of  their  action  was  the  giving  of  a 
definition  of  the  original  purpose  of  the  society.  In  this  opinion 
they  took  care  to  side  with  the  stronger  faction  of  the  colonists. 
Though  this  may  not  accord  with  our  interpretation  of  equity, 
yet  it  was  a  starting  point  towards  a  very  difficult  solution,  though 
Sec.  3  of  the  constitution  was  recklessly  overruled.  This  opinion 
they  couched  in  these  well-chosen  words: 

,,Der  urspriingliche  Zweck  der  Gesellschaft  war  die  Grimdung 
einer  deutschen  Stadt,  welche  durch  vereinigtes  Capital  und  sonsti- 
ges  offentliches  Vermogen,  Gleichheit  des  Strebens  und  harmoni- 
sches  Zusammenleben  schnell  zu  dem  Grade  der  Bliithe  in  physi- 
scher,  sowohl  als  geistiger  Riicksicht  emporwachsen  sollte,  dass  sie 
dem  deutschen  Namen  zur  Ehre  und  den  heimathlosen  Stammge- 
nossen  zum  gliicklichen  Asyl  gereichen  mochte.  In  diesem  Sinne 
miissen  die  Constitution  und  alle  Nebengesetze  der  Gesellschaft 
gedeutet  werden.  Dann  ergiebt  es  sich  von  selbst,  dass  die  For- 
derungen  der  Rechte  der  Mitgliedschaft  fur  die,  welche  alle  ihre 
Actien  fur  gekauftes  Land  an  die  Gesellschaft  zuriickgegeben  — 
mithin  ihren  Privatvortheil,  durch  die  erhohten  Actienpreise,  welche 
ihnen  bei  der  Riickgabe  berechnet  wurden,  bereits  genossen  haben 
—  oder  gar  niemals  Mitglieder  gewesen  sind,  obgleich  sie  nun  der 
Gesellschaft  oder  Privatpersonen  Grundeigenthum  gekauft  haben 
mogen  —  ganzlich  haltlos  ist,  und  weder  in  der  Constitution  noch 
in  irgend  einem  Gesetze  der  Gesellschaft  auch  nur  einen  Schein- 
grund  fur  sich  finden  konnen. 

Dieser  genannte  urspriingliche  Zweck  der  Gesellschaft  macht 
es  aber  sehr  wiinschenswerth,  dass  die  von  den  unternehmenden, 
und  durch  Muth  und  Fleiss  sich  auszeichnenden  Mitgliedern  der 
Gesellschaft  in  unglaublich  kurzer  Zeit  gegriindete  und  bereits  vom 
Staate  incorporirte  Stadt  Hermann  als  letztes  Ziel  des  gesellschaft- 
lichen  Unternehmens,  nunmehr  so  bald  als  moglich  mit  der  Gesell 
schaft  verschmelzen  moge,  so  dass  Stadt  Hermann  und  Ansied- 
lungs-Gesellschaft  in  jeder  Beziehung  tautologisch  seien." 

By  this  decision  the  difficulty  was  vastly  minimized  while 
the  possible  solution  was  proportionately  facilitated.  The  farm 
ers  are  entirely  excluded  from  consideration.  The  problem  is 
now  wholly  concentrated  upon  the  town  Hermann.  The  report 
continues  by  enumerating  certain  advantages  which  such  a  change 
would  promote: 


94  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

1.  Such  a  consolidation  of  town  and  society  would  unify  and 
centralize  the  various  interests,  would  preserve  order  and  pro 
mote  public  undertakings. 

2.  The  property  of  the  society  would  be  more  secure  under 
State  supervision. 

3.  The  constitution  and  by-laws  would  be  more  effective  if 
clad  in  the  garb  of  State  laws. 

4.  Such  consolidation  of  town  and  society  interests  would 
bring  about  equality  of  rights  and  duties  of  all  residents — a  con 
dition  impossible  under  a  separate  existence  of  these  bodies. 

Although  the  consolidation  appeared,  on  the  whole,  bene 
ficent  to  a  great  number  concerned,  there  were  still  very  serious 
objections  to  be  raised  against  it. 

1.  All  inhabitants  of  Hermann  would,  by  virtue  of  the  laws 
of  the  State,  become  joint  owners  and  beneficiaries  of  the  society 
property  whether  they  had  contributed  an  equivalent  or  not. 

2.  The  members  living  in  various  parts  of  the  country  would 
lose  their  vote  in  society  matters,  while  such  men  as  Jarvis  would 
eo-ipso  have  a  voice  in  the  transactions  of  the  society. 

3.  In   making  public   improvements   the  society   would   be 
unduly  burdened,  while  the  non-members  would  reap  the  benefit 
without  proportionate  co-operation. 

4.  The  estates  of  non-members  would  be  exempt  from  taxa 
tion  the  same  as  the  society  property.    The  public  improvements 
would  increase  the  value  of  the  property  of  non-members  and 
practically  make  impossible  the  purchase  of  such  property. 

It  was  made  plain  that  no  consolidation  was  possible  until 
these  matters  were  satisfactorily  settled.  In  making  this  last  de 
cision  it  was,  however,  clearly  stated  that  a  transfer  of  the  offices 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  95 

of  the  society  was  much  desired  and  recommended.  But  before 
this  change  could  be  positively  granted  answers  to  these  ques 
tions  were  called  for : 

„!.  Wie  werden  die  Glieder  der  Gesellschaft,  welche  ihre  Stadt- 
lotten  noch  nicht  aufgenommen  haben,  sicher  gestellt,  dass  Ihrien 
nicht  kiinftig  die  Wahl  ihrer  Lotten  erschwert  oder  gar  unmoglich 
gemacht  werde? 

2.  Wie  soil  es  mit  der  Besteuerung  der  von  vielen  Actienbe- 
sitzern  noch  nicht  aufgenommenen  Stadtlotten  gehen,  im  Falle  die 
Einkimfte  des  gesellschaftlichen  Vermogens  zu  irgend  einer  Zeit 
nicht  hinreichen  sollten,  um  sammtliche  Taxen,  die  auf  den  gesell 
schaftlichen  Theil  der  Stadt  fallen,  zu  decken? 

3.  Wie  steht  es  um  die  bisherige  Geschaftsfuhrung  der  execu- 
tiven,  sowohl  als  der  speziellen  Committee?     Besonders  wird  eine 
definitive  Rechmmgs-Ablegung  der  Letzteren  gewiinscht." 

The  Philadelphia  committee  went  so  far  as  to  suggest  an 
swers  to  these  questions,  which  suggestions,  however,  fell  upon 
deaf  ears.  The  men  at  Hermann  had  their  own  solution  for 
problems  in  hand,  as  will  appear  later. 

Since  the  incorporation  of  the  town  Hermann,  a  very  inter 
esting  and  indeed  unique  state  of  affairs  existed.  The  report, 
under  discussion,  expands  somewhat  on  this  point.  An  odd  state 
of  confusion  had  come  about.  And  all  this,  too,  at  a  time  when 
it  was  thought  impossible  for  any  such  thing  to  occur.  The 
colony  had  existed  a  little  over  one  year  and  already  the  town 
was  no  longer  purely  German. 

,,Die  Gesellschaft  hat  seit  der  Incorporation  der  Stadt  Her 
mann  einen  hochst  beschrenkten  Wirkungskreis,"  the  report  con 
tinues,  ,,wahrend  das  Stadt-Council  beinahe  unbedingte  Gewalt  be- 
sitzt.  Das  Council  hat  zu  befehlen  (natiirlich  innerhalb  der  Gren- 
zen  der  Incorporations-Acte),  die  Gesellschaft  zu  gehorchen,  soweit 
sich  die  Befehle  auf  den  gesellschaftlichen  Stadtgrund  erstrecken." 

What  then,  really,  was  the  relation  of  the  town  Hermann 
and  the  society  ?  The  committee  defined  thus  : 

,,Die  Stadt  Hermann  besteht  aus  Biirgern,  welche  theils  Mit- 
glieder  der  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  sind,  theils  nicht,  die  aber  alle 
gleiches  Stimmrecht  in  der  Stadt-Verwaltung  haben.  Sie  erstreckt 
sich  iiber  Land,  das  theils  gesellschaftlich  ist,  theils  nicht,  aber  alles 


g6  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

im  Stadtgebiete  liegende  Land,  gleichviel  ob  gesellschaftliches  oder 
fremdes  der  Stadtverwaltung  (Council)  unterworfen,  besteuerbar 
fur  offentliche  Ausgaben,  Verbesserungen,  Stadtbauten,  etc.  Nur 
fur  den  ganzen  gesellschaftlichen  Antheil  (die  von  Mitgliedern  auf- 
genommenen  und  bebauten  Stadtlotten)  zahlt  die  Gesellschafts- 
Kasse  alle  Grundsteuern,  so  lange  die  Einkiinfte  der  Gesellschaft 
dazu  hinreichen  (welches  aller  Wahrscheinlichkeit  nach  immer  der 
Fall  sein  wird)  fur  das  frem.de  Land  aber,  innerhalb  des  Stadt- 
gebietes,  miissen  die  respectiven  Eigenthiimer  einen  proportionellen 
Tax  bezahlen.  Die  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  hat  mithin  mit  der 
Stadt  Hermann  weiter  nichts  zu  thun,  als  dass  sie  die  dem  gesell 
schaftlichen  Stadttheile  zufallenden  Grundtaxen  bezahlt,  und  die 
auf  diesen  Theil  sich  beziehenden  Council-Verordnungen  erfiillt; 
auf  dieselbe  Weise  und  in  derselben  Ordnung,  als  z.  B.  Herr  Jarvis 
dasselbe  in  Proportion  fur  den  von  ihm  geeigneten  Stadttheil  thut. 

Der  Grund  fur  die  Schule  so  wie  anderen  offentlichen 

Gebauden  muss  von  der  Gesellschaft  gekauft  werden.  .  .  .  Die 
Gesellschaft  eignet  oder  representirt  einen  grossen  Theil  der  Stadt. 
Sollen  auf  diesem  gesellschaftlichen  Stadttheil  Anlagen  (z.  B. 
Squares,  Garten,  Promenaden  etc.  etc.)  angelegt,  offentliche  Ge- 
baude  gebaut,  oder  andere  offentliche  Verbesserungen  gemacht  wer 
den,  so  muss  die  Stadt  den  dazu  nothigen  Grund  von  der  Gesell 
schaft  kaufen.  Dieser  Baupreis  muss  dann  wieder  durch  Grund 
taxen,  theils  von  der  Gesellschaft  theils  von  den  Eigenthumern  des 
nicht  gesellschaftlichen  Stadtlandes  aufgemacht  werden.  Jeden- 
falls  wiirde  es  ungerecht  sein,  dass  die  Gesellschaft  sollte  gratis 
Land  und  Geld  zu  offentlichen  Verbesserungen  abtreten,  die  zur 
Wertherhohung  aller  Stadttheile  dienen.  .  .  .  Die  Stadt  als  solche 
besitzt  Nichts  als  was  sie  kauft.  Um  zu  kaufen  schreibt  sie  Taxen 
aus,  welche  von  der  Gesellschaft,  Jarvis,  Schiefer  und  Schmidt  pro- 
portionsmassig  zu  zahlen  sind." 

From  the  foregoing  it  is  difficult  to  state  just  what  was 
meant  by  a  consolidation  of  the  company  and  the  town  Hermann. 
If,  as  was  stated  in  the  outset,  company  and  town  are  identical, 
then,  according  to  the  later  statements,  the  town  would  be  buying 
from  itself.  The  report  continues  : 

,,Sollten  die  letzteren  drei  Eigenthumer  (Jarvis,  Schiefer  und 
Schmidt)  des  fremden  Stadtgrundes  von  der  Gesellschaft  ausge- 
kauft  werden,  so  wiirde  die  Bedeutung  von  Stadt  und  Gesellschaft 
Icicht  zu  verschmelzen  sein,  und  dann  konnte  man  in  Wahrheit 
sagen,  die  Stadt  Hermann  eignet  das  ganze  gesellschaftliche  Ver- 
mogen." 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  97 

The  report  is  signed: 

,,Wilhelm  Schmoele  --  im  Namen  der  von  der  Muttergesell- 
schaft  niedergesetzten  Committee,  welche  die  Verlegung  der  Ver- 
waltung  der  Gesellschaft  zu  beraten  hatte. 

Philadelphia,  Juli  i,  1839." 

The  society  seal  is  affixed  to  the  document  to  prove  its 
authenticity. 

In  response  to  this  report  an  answer  was  punctiliously  pre 
pared  and  signed  by  65  members  at  Hermann.  The  tenor  of  this 
reply  seems  to  have  been  entirely  satisfactory.  Attorneys-at-law 
were  at  once  employed  to  assist  the  committee  on  transference  in 
drawing  up  a  general  deed  conveying  the  property  into  the  hands 
of  the  trustees  at  Hermann. 

While  this  was  doing  in  Philadelphia,  a  final,  grand  report 
was  being  prepared  and  signed  by  106  colonists.  It  was  the  ulti 
matum,  so  far  as  the  colony  was  concerned.  This  report  con 
tains  a  reiteration  of  many  of  the  points  referred  to  in  the  letter 
of  the  preceding  paragraph.  In  it  are  found  the  answers  to  the 
questions  propounded  by  the  Philadelphians.  A  part  of  this  com 
munication  is  appended  here : 

,,Erstens 

1st  es  fortwahrend  unser  Wunsch,  dass  die  Verwaltung  des  gesell- 
schaftlichen  Vermogens  sobald  als  moglich  nach  der  Stadt  Her 
mann  verlegt  werden  moge,  welches  in  Uebereinstimmung  mit  den 
Statuten  der  Gesellschaft  und  namentlich  mit  den  Bestimmungen 
ist,  nach  welchen  die  Trustees  der  Stadt  Hermann  installirt  worden. 

Zweitens 

Glauben  die  Unterzeichneten,  dass  kein  Mangel  an  Personen  vor- 
handen,  welche  zu  gesetzgtiltigen  Trustees  der  Stadt  Hermann  ge- 
wahlt  werden  konnen. 

Drittens 

Erklaren  wir  hiedurch,  dass  wir  es  niemals  zugeben,  vielmehr  immer 
dagegen  protestiren  wollen,  dass  in  dem  jetzigen  Werthe,  so  wie 
auch  in  der  bestehenden  Auswahl  von  Stadtlotten,  zum  Nachtheil 
derjenigen  Mitglieder,  welche  ihre  Stadtlotten  noch  nicht  gewahlt 
haben,  irgend  eine  Beschrankung  oder  Veranderung  stattfinden  soil. 


98  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Viertens 

1st  es  unsere  Meinung,  dass  von  einer  in  dem  Berichte  erwahnten 
Aufregung  der  Gemiither  in  der  Ansiedlung  veranlasst  durch  ent- 
gegengesetzte  Wiinsche,  Zwecke  und  Ansichten  jetzt  nicht  mehr 
die  Rede  seyn  kann,  indem  wir  hiedurch  nochmals  erklaren^  dass  es 
imser  Wunsch  ist,  dass  die  ganze  Verwaltung  des  gesellschaftlichen 
Vermogens  sofort  der  Stadt  Hermann  ubertragen  werden  moge. 

Fiinftens 

Sehen  wir  nichts  dabey  zu  erinnern,  dass  alle  Bewohner  der  Stadt 
von  ihrem  gesetzlichen  Stimmrecht  nach  Belieben  Gebrauch  machen, 
da  solche  doch  nur  durch  Ankauf  oder  Benutzung  von  Grundeigen- 
thum  Burger  respective  Bewohner  der  Stadt  Hermann  werden 
konnen. 

Sechstens 

Ist  es  unsere  nicht  beengte  Ansicht,  dass  das  Wohl  der  Stadt  Her 
mann  durchaus  nicht  dadurch  gefahrdet  werden  konnte  wenn  sich 
auch  noch  fremdes  Grundeigenthum  im  Weichbild  der  Stadt  be- 
findet.  Nur  miissten  die  jedesmaligen  Besitzer  solchen  Grundeigen- 
thums  von  den  Trustees  der  Stadt  Hermann  aufgefordert  werden, 
einen  Revers  auszustellen,  dass  sie  ausser  ihrer  eigenen  Tax  auch 
noch  sobald  solches  nothig  seyn  sollte,  und  verlangt  wird,  unwei- 
gerlich  nach  der  gesetzlichen  Norm  die  Taxen  der  Stadt  pro  rata 
mittragen  wollen. 

Siebentes 

Ist  es  evident,  dass  nur  die  in  der  Folge  von  den  Trustees  der  Stadt 
Hermann  ausgeschriebene  Taxe  von  den  Burgern  zu  bezahlen  ist, 
indem  die  alten  Grundtaxe  von  den  angekauften  Landereyen,  so- 
bald  das  gesellschaftliche  Vermogen  der  Stadt  Hermann  iibertra- 
gen  von  besagter  Stadt  als  Besitzerin  dieses  Grundeigenthums  zu 
entrichten  seyn  wird,  und  solte  jemals  die  Zeit  herannahen,  dass 
das  jetzige  Vermogen  der  Gesellschaft  nicht  mehr  zu  diesen  Zwe- 
cken  ausreicht,  so  werden  allerdings  sammtliche  Besitzer  von  Grund 
eigenthum  im  Weichbilde  der  Stadt  Hermann  nach  dem  iiblichen 
Norm  die  Taxen  der  Corporation  pro  rata  zu  entrichten  haben. 
Wollen  sie  das  nicht  so  steht  es  ihnen  schon  jetzt  oder  dann  und  zu 
jedei  Zeit  frey  aus  der  Incorporation  herauszutreten. 

Achtens. 

Durch  diese  unsere  biindige  Erklarung  miissen  diejenigen  Glieder 
der  Gesellschaft,  welche  ihre  Stadtlotten  noch  nicht  aufgenommen 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  99 

haben,  sich  sicher  gestellt  fiihlen,  dass  ihnen  nicht  kunftig  die  Wahl 
ihrer  Lots  erschwert,  oder  gar  unmoglich  gemacht  werde. 

Neuntens. 

Sobald  das  gesellschaftliche  Vermogen  der  Stadt  Hermann 
tibertragen,  kann,  in  so  weit  dies  in  Folge  stattfinden  wird,  nur  von 
einer  Besteuerung  derjenigen  Stadtlotten  die  Rede  seyn,  welche 
bereits  aufgenommen  und  mit  Gebauden  versehen  oder  sonst  culti- 
virt  sind. 

Zehntens. 

Was  eine  Rechmmgsablage  iiber  die  Geschaftsfiihrung  in  der 
Ansiedlung  anbelangt  so  sind  die  friiheren  Rechnungsverhaltnisse 
mit  dem  General-Agenten  bereits  eingesandt,  die  executive  Com 
mittee  hat  weiter  mit  der  Geschaftsfuhrung  nichts  zu  thun  und 
ward  durch  die  specielle  Committee  in  dieser  Hinsicht  vertreten. 
Da  aber  eine  specielle  Committee,  wie  oben  erwahnt,  bey  Empfang 
des  Berichts  nicht  bestand,  so  werden  die  friiheren  Mitglieder  ge- 
wiss  eben  so  bereit  seyn  als  willig,  die  verlangte  Rechnungs-Able- 
gung  sofort  einzusenden  und  wird  der  Secretair  sofort  das  Nothige 
bewerkstelligen  wollen. 

Elftens 

1st  es  uns  freylich  trostlich  zu  vernehmen,  dass  alle  diejenigen 
welche  Grundeigenthum  von  der  Gesellschaft  erworben  und  das- 
selbe  zum  vollen  bezahlt  haben,  auf  ein  Certificat  der  speciellen 
Committee  —  soil  wohl  heissen  ein  Certificat  der  Trustees  in  Her 
mann  —  oder  von  beiden  unverziiglich  bekommen  konnen. 

•Zwolftens 

Haben  wir  uns  endlich  dahin  noch  ausdriicklich  aussprechen  wollen, 
dass  wir  des  festen  Glaubens  sind,  dass  durch  Uebertragung  des 
gesellschaftlichen  Vermogens  an  die  Stadt  Hermann  dieses  mit  dem 
iibrigen  Vermogen  der  Stadt  Hermann  ganzlich  verschmolzen  wird 
und  ist  der  raisonierende  Theil  des  hier  beantworteten  Berichts 
durchaus  auf  falschen  Pramissen  basirt,  denn  was  die  Pflichten  und 
Rechte  der  Stadt  Hermann  anbelangt,  so  wird  solche  durch  die 
Corporationsacte  bestimmt  und  vorgeschrieben  und  will  die  Stadt 
Hermann  Schulhauser  etc.  etc.  bauen,  so  haben  die  Burger  und 
Trustees  sich  nach  dem  zu  richten,  was  besagte  Corporationsacte 
vermeldet. 

Es  findet  sich  auch  nicht  ein  einziges  mit  den  Verhaltnissen 
bekanntes  Mitglied  in  der  Ansiedlung  welches  mit  dem  letzten  rai- 
sonierenden  Theil  des  Berichts  einverstanden  ware.  Dies  ware  ja 


loo  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 


welter  nichts  als  das  Geld  von  einer  Tasche  in  die  andere  stecken, 
wenn  die  Stadt  Hermann  von  der  Stadt  Hermann  Hausplatze  etc. 
zu  Stadtzwecken  kaufen  sollte." 

Here  then  follow  the  106  signatures.  We  shall  attach  them 
here  for  a  two-fold  reason.  First,  it  shows  who  were  the  sep 
aratists  at  Hermann,  and,  secondly,  it  gives  a  partial  list,  at  least, 
of  householders  at  that  time.  The  names  are  written  in  the 
order  found  in  the  document : 


Jacob  Morloch 

David  Lang 

Ernst  Meyer 

Silvest  Weber 

George  Clauss 

Jacob  Dormeyer 

Adam  Nider 

Hermann  Kemper 

August  Klaring 

Hermann  Rothert 

John  Woern 

J.  L.  Idemann 

Georg  Muller 

Nikolas  Welter 

H.  G.  Finn 

Chas.  C.  Albers 

Amedi  Brunet 

Daniel  Oelschlseger 

August  F.  Klaring 

Christoph  Fr.  Oelschlseger 

Fredrick  Semken 

Anton  Franz  Hemme 

Wilhelm  Stohr 

Wm.  E.  Young 

C.  L.  Schlomer 

L.  Sommerhalter 

Pierre  Brunet,  Sr. 

Johann  Graber 

Johann  Meyer 

Anthony  Miller 

Benedickt  Bleile 

Ignatz  Bleile 

Heinrich  Heckmann 

J.  G.  Prager 

Leonhard  Schramm 


Friedrich  Reinhardt 
Joseph  Vogt 
Joh.  Quandt 
Adam  Wagner 
Christian  Rohrbacher 
Martin  Mausehund 
John  C.  Rice 
Colestin  Diebold 
Phillipp  Schneider 
Otto  von  Schrader 
Theodor  Baer 
Conrad  Baer 
Georg  Rieffenstahl 
John  H.  Miller 
Karl  Kneisel 
F.  Lender 
W.  Ameling 
Fr.  Leupold 
Phillipp  Koller 
Fred  Husmann 
E.  C.  Staffliorst 
Nicolaus   Bensing 
Gottlieb  Kreuchy 
Johannes  Abglanalp 
Johannes  Bohm 
Adam  Bohm 
Silfester  Doss 
D.  Widersprecher 
Charles  Naegelin 
A.  W.  Friedrichs 
Jacob  Rommel 
Adam  Bezold 
Edward  Pommer 
Theodor  Vogt 
Charles  D.  Eitzen 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  101 

Charles  Asmus  Michael   Kroeber 

John  H.  Witmann  Carl  Kohl 

August  Roeske  August  Leonhard 

Jacob  Schiefer  Peter  Scheldt 

D.  W.  Wohlein  Adam  Scheidt 

John  Battermann  Johannes  Sidler 

Kasper  Greis  Catharina  Bayer 

George  Pfautsch  Aug.  Leimer 

F.  Langendorfer  Caroline  Pommer 

J.  Leupold  H.  Heinrichs 

M.  Krauter  H.  Jahns 

Jacob  Klink  H.  von  Schlegel 

Ludwig  Hisigas  Hermann  Bock 

Georg  Schafer  A.  Brickwede 

John  Blust  Fk.  Wm.  Pommer 

Thomas  Gawley  J.  H.  Vahrenhorst 

Florenz  Ritter  Joseph  Schweyer 

Elizabeth  Trautwein  C    C.  Osterloh 

This  was  done  early  in  September.  At  an  extra  session  of 
the  home  society  on  September  I7th  these  promises  evidently 
were  joyfully  received.  A  final  and  decisive  resolution  was  then 
passed : 

,,Dass  die  hiesigen  Trustees  sowohl,  als  die  Trustees  in  der  An- 
siedlung  hierdurch  angewiesen  sind,  von  alien  ihnen  respectiv  anver- 
trauten  gesellschaftlichen  Vermogen  einen  vollstandigen  Deed  of 
Trust  an  den  Stadt-Council  der  Stadt  Hermann,  Gasconade  County, 
Missouri,  zu  ubermachen,  welcher  kiinftig  als  Trustee  der  deutschen 
Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft  das  Vermogen  der  Letzteren  reprasen- 
tiren  soil."  % 

With  the  passage  of  this  act  the  great  decision  had  been 
reached.  Everyone  breathed  more  freely — even  those  who  felt 
that  the  step  was  injudiciously  made.  The  die  was  cast,  and 
Hermann  was  thrown  upon  its  own  resources  and  its  members 
upon  their  own  ingenuity  to  make  or  mar  the  future  of  a  Ger 
man  town.  With  this  decision  there  went  certain  requirements 
to  which  the  colony  readily  acceded  and  which  they  sought  to 
carry  out  to  the  best  of  their  ability.  These  conditions  were  : 

,,i.  Dass  die  jetzt  bestehende  Bestimmung  der  Gesellschaft  fur 
die  Wahl  der  Stadtlotten  von  Mitgliedern  niemals  soil  geandert 
werden  konnen,  bis  alle  Anspriiche  der  einzelnen  Mitglieder  auf 


IO2  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Privatvermogen,  welches  ihnen  durch  ihre  Actienscheine  zugesichert 
ist,  befriedigt  sein  werden. 

2.  Dass  die  Trustees  immer  verbunden  sein  sollen,  jedem  Mit- 
gliede  welches  den  genannten  Bedingimgen  nachgekommen  ist,  fur 
jede  Lotte  zu  welcher  er  durch  solches  Nachkommen  berechtigt  ist, 
oder  sein  wird,  einen  vollen  Eigenthums-Deed  zu  geben,  und  dass 
der  Preis  der  Actien  nie  unter  Funfzig  Thaler  herabgesetzt  werden 
soil. 

3.  Dass  endlich  keine  Stadtlotte  von  der  Auswahl  der  Mitglie- 
der  soil  ausgeschlossen  sein,  welche  nicht  schon  gewahlt,  oder  Pri- 
vat-Vermogen  oder  zu  specifischen  6'ffentlichen  Zwecken  bestimmt 
ist  oder  sind." 

It  was  further  decided  to  inform  the  authorities  at  Hermann 
at  once  and  to  forward  the  power  of  attorney  poste  haste  to  the 
proper  officers.  By  virtue  of  this  authority  the  Hermann  officials 
were  charged  to  collect  the  sum  of  $1,300.00  which  was  due  in 
October.  To  facilitate  the  transfer  the  colonists  had  implied 
previously  that  they  would  meet  all  obligations  incumbent  on  the 
society  provided  they  were  given  full  control  of  things.  The 
people  at  Hermann  had  no  money  to  pay  this  debt.  On  the  25th 
of  September,  1839,  they  resolved  to  make  a  loan. 

"That,  as  the  Trustees  of  the  Society  are  incapable  of  pro 
curing  the  1,300  dollars  necessary  for  the  payment  of  the  last 
instalments  due  October  i,  1839,  Mr.  Julius  Leupold  be  author 
ized  and  empowered  to  borrow  the  above  sum,  at  the  lowest  pos 
sible  interest ;  but  in  case  he  should  not  be  able  to  raise  the  money, 
all  responsibility  shall  fall  on  those  who  have  approved  the  trans 
ferring  of  the  property  of  the  society  from  Philadelphia  to  Her 
mann." 

There  must  have  been  some  difficulty  in  obtaining  the 
money,  for  on  January  22,  1840,  another  order  was  issued  "re 
questing  and  authorizing  Julius  Leupold  to  contract  a  loan  of 
$1,300  for  the  town  of  Hermann."  At  any  rate,  the  home  soci 
ety  was  satisfied  that  this  obligation  would  be  met.  So  on  De 
cember  12,  1839,  the  last  meeting  was  held  at  the  Penn  Hotel, 
the  same  place  where,  three  and  a  half  years  before,  the  organi 
zation  sprang  into  being,  full  of  promise,  amid  the  keenest  in- 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  103 

terest  and  wildest  enthusiasm.  At  this  meeting  the  president 
made  his  final  address.  Nothing  of  great  interest  or  importance 
was  transacted.  The  work  had  all  been  done.  The  minutes 
closed  thus: 

,,Mit  dieser  Versammlung  horten  die  Funktionen  der  hiesigen 
Gesellschaft  auf,  und  die  Beamten  wurden  entlassen,  wodurch  die 
Gesellschaft  sich  aufloste. 

A.  J.  Stockfleth,  Sekretair." 

Nearly  three  score  and  seven  years  have  passed  since  that 
last  meeting  of  the  Philadelphia  society,  but  still  the  records  of 
that  final  session  make  the  reader  sad.  A  deep  pathos  lies  in 
the  President's  simple  words  of  parting.  A  great  thing  had  been 
accomplished  it  is  true,  but  yet  how  far  was  it  below  the  lofty 
ideals  of  the  fathers;  in  how  small  a  measure  had  their  devoted 
services  been  rewarded.* 

,,Heute  zum  letzten  Male  sind  wir  hier  versammelt  (so  spoke 
President  Schmoele  in  opening  his  farewell  address)  um  iiber  das 
Wohl  unserer  Gesellschaft  uns  zu  berathen.  Unser  letztes  Geschaft 
besteht  darin,  die  bisher  von  der  Muttergesellschaft  geubte  Ver- 
waltung  unseres  gesellschaftlichen  Unternehmens  auf  die  bereits 
selbststandig  und  mehr  als  gross jahrig  gewordene  Tochter  im  fer- 
nen  Westen  zu  iibertragen." 

Then  he  reiterates  the  proceedings  we  have  already  discussed 
regarding  the  transfer.  In  closing  he  says : 

,,Werfen  wir  nun  am  Schlusse  unserer  Geschaftsleitung  noch 
einen  Blick  auf  die  Vergangenheit  unserer  Gesellschaft  zurikk,  so 
begegnen  uns  zwar  manche  Unannehmlichkeiten  und  Schwierig- 
keiten,  mit  denen  wir  zu  kampfen  hatten,  und  denen  besonders  der- 
jenige  wackere  Theil  unserer  Mitglieder  ausgesetzt  war,  welcher 
nunmehr  unsere  bliihende  Colonie  im  fernen  Westen  bildet  — 
dagegen  finden  wir  aber  auch  Erfolge,  welche  nicht  nur  in  der  Ge- 
schichte  ahnlicher  Gesellschaften  ungewohnlich  sind,  sondern  un 
sere  schonsten  Hoffnungen  ubertreffen  und  zu  den  angenehmsten 
Aussichten  fiir  die  Zukunft  berechtigen. 

Wo  vor  anderthalb  Jahren  noch  eine  Wildniss  war,  da  prangt 
nunmehr  eine  bliihende  Stadt,  lebendig  mit  Handel  und  Gewerben, 
und  umgeben  von  gedeihenden  Landgutern  —  der  Name  der  Stadt 

*  A.  und  N.  W.  of  January  18,  1840. 


IO4          The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

ist  Hermann,  und  ihr  Gebiet  das  der  deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Gesell- 
schaft. 

Mogen  unsere  Nachkommen  Ursache  haben,  das  Unternehmen 
ihrer  Vater  zu  segnen ! 

Wilhelm  Schmoele. 

Philadelphia,  den  12.  Dec.  1839." 

With  this  meeting  the  history  of  this  undertaking,  so  far  as 
Philadelphia  was  concerned,  had  come  to  a  close.  Its  manage 
ment  was  now  intrusted  into  the  hands  of  the  men  in  Missouri. 
How  well  they  succeeded  in  fulfilling  this  trust,  we  are  yet  to  see. 
The  attempt  to  unify  the  Germans  on  American  soil  had  aroused 
the  interest  of  all  Germans  in  America,  as  well  as  of  many  in 
Germany.  With  all  this  enthusiasm  it  strikes  the  impartial  ob 
server  as  rather  singular,  that  greater  things  were  not  accom 
plished.  But  a  great  number  of  causes  united  to  mar  the  harmony 
of  the  participants  and  to  hinder  the  execution  of  the  plans,  on 
the  whole  laudable  as  well  as  sound. 

First  among  these  causes  we  would  place  the  financial  crisis 
of  1837.  All  forms  of  business  were  wrecked.  Public  confidence 
stood  at  its  lowest  ebb.  Most  of  the  shareholders  were  limited 
in  means,  hoping  for  an  amelioration  through  the  proposed  col 
ony.  Many  prospective  members  found  even  the  modest  outlay 
too  great  a  tax,  since  the  possibilities  for  an  income  were  cur 
tailed  by  the  lull  in  business.  In  Germany  these  conditions  were 
known,  and  but  few  men  would  invest  their  small  savings  in  a 
country  whose  monetary  basis  was  so  unstable.  This  stage  of 
depression  continued  long  enough  to  allow  certain  changes  to 
occur  in  the  management  of  the  German  Society  which  could  not 
be  altered  when  the  years  of  plenty  and  public  confidence  returned. 

A  second  cause  was  the  lack  of  harmony  among-  the  Germans 
themselves.  They  came  from  a  country  where  the  word  "Einneit" 
was  found  written  in  books  but  not  in  hearts.  Most  of  them  had 
come  here  with  no  higher  motives  than  to  improve  their  economic 
conditions.  But  few  of  them  had  dreamed  of  a  united  Germany, 
how  could  they  reaonably  be  expected  to  hope  for  a  German 
union  in  this  new  land?  The  high  ideals  that  were  voiced  in  this 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  105 

attempt  were  those  of  the  few  leaders — unselfish,  devoted,  self- 
sacrificing  men — of  few  faults  and  of  many  virtues — but  they 
awakened  no  echo  in  the  masses.  To  them  the  prime  purpose 
was  the  betterment  of  their  material  condition.  A  depressing 
spirit  of  the  Kleinelei  peculiar  to  the  sons  of  the  Kleinstaatliche 
Deutschland  of  that  day,  dominates  many  of  their  actions.  They 
were  distrustful  and  often  unjust  and  so  increased  the  labors  of 
their  officers  and  retarded  the  progress  of  their  undertaking.  A 
blighting  jealousy  also  made  itself  felt.  Certain  of  the  German 
newspapers  criticised  the  whole  attempt  most  scathingly.  If  they 
had  been  small  local  publications,  their  influence  would  not  have 
been  so  baneful.  But  some  of  the  strongest  representatives  of  the 
German  American  press  opened  a  most  virulent  attack  upon  the 
infant  enterprise.  Some  of  these  editors  indulged  in  this  vituper 
ation  for  no  other  reason  than  a  personal  enmity  with  the  edi 
tor  of  the  official  organ  of  the  society.  Much  of  the  strength  of 
the  society  was  thus  spent  in  internal  strife. 

A  third  cause  was  the  appointment  of  a  man  to  the  respon 
sible  position  of  General  Agent  who  had  but  a  very  limited  busi 
ness  education. 

We  have  already  stated  that  as  a  gentleman  Bayer  was  be 
yond  reproach.  Also  that  he  did  do  all  he  was  capable  of  doing. 
A  board  of  officers  under  a  leader  with  clear  judgment,  undoubted 
integrity,  and  an  indomitable  will  to  stand  up  to  his  just  decisions 
would  have  altered  things  materially.  Under  these  conditions 
the  cry  for  self-government  would  have  been  duly  hushed.  If 
this  had  been  done  the  seat  of  power  would  have  remained  longer 
at  Philadelphia.  The  very  retention  of  control  at  Philadelphia 
would  have  instilled  confidence  in  the  wavering  ones.  Then  it 
might  have  been  possible  to  bridge  over  the  calamitous  years  fol 
lowing  1837  and  to  start  in  upon  a  newer  and  brighter  era.  As  it 
was,  a  body  of  a  few  German  pioneers  settled  in  a  howling  wil 
derness  could  not  be  expected  to  live  up  to  the  high  ideals  of  the 
founders  of  the  society. 

As  a  final  cause  must  be  mentioned  the  choice  of  location. 


io6  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Bayer,  for  unknown  causes,  succeeded  in  purchasing  only  a  small 
part  of  the  land  specified  by  the  three  prospecting  deputies.  The 
land  around  Hermann  is  very  broken  and  of  little  value  except 
for  horticultural  purposes.  The  farming  land  was,  as  may  be 
seen  from  the  accompanying  map,  far  away  from  the  town,  and 
then  very  much  scattered.  Communication  was  slow  and  soon 
the  townspeople  and  the  farmers  became  estranged  from  each 
other.  The  site  of  Hermann  can  boast  of  no  great  amount  of  po 
tential  wealth.  There  is  no  mineral  or  metal  found  in  the  vicinity. 
Hence,  it  was  impossible  for  great  manufacturing  establishments 
to  spring  up.  To  execute  the  lofty  plans  of  the  society  it  was  pos 
itively  necessary,  as  Pfarrer  Ginal  pointed  out  in  one  of  the  very 
first  meetings,  that  agriculture  and  manufacture  should  go  hand 
in  hand  at  the  colony.  Neither  of  these  industries  could  prosper 
in  or  near  Hermann.  The  only  industry  in  which  Hermann  now 
excels  all  other  towns  of  Missouri  is  the  production  of  wine.  If 
the  colony  had  been  laid  in  west  Missouri,  as  a  Low  German  set 
tlement  was  laid,  we  might  have  a  different  history  to  chronicle. 

Great  must  have  been  the  disappointment  of  the  sturdy  pro 
moters  of  the  settlement  scheme  when  the  conviction  forced  itself 
upon  them,  that  the  cause  for  which  they  had  sacrificed  so  much 
was  to  be  abandoned.  Again  and  again  we  meet  with  the  senti 
ment  "Es  war  zu  schon  gewesen  .  .  .  es  hat  nicht  sollen  sein."  In 
after  years  J.  G.  Wesselhoeft,  the  boldest  fighter  of  them  all, 
wrote  in  his  autobiographical  account : 

,,Was  man  bei  der  Griindung  der  ,,Deutschen  Ansiedlungs-Ge- 
sellschaft"  mit  der  Zeit  zu  realisiren  hoffte,  ist  nur  zum  Theil  aus- 
gefiihrt  worden.  Wenngleich  Vieles,  was  die  Griinder  beabsich- 
tigten,  und  wofiir  sie  uneigenniitzig  gestrebt  und  gearbeitet  haben, 
nicht  ins  Leben  getreten  ist,  so  haben  doch  viele  Deutsche  in  einer 
gesunden  hiibschen  Gegend  eine  trauliche  Heimath  gefunden  und 
fur  Schulen  und  deutsche  Geselligkeit  manches  gethan."* 

Before  we  go  over  to  a  consideration  of  the  colony  after  its 
separation  from  the  Philadelphia  society,  we  shall  mention  the 
names  of  the  principal  officers  who  represented  the  organization 

*G.  Korner,  "Das  deutsche  Element,"  p.  71. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  107 

in  various  capacities,  then  we  shall  append  the  complete  list  of  the 
members. 

Julius  Leupold  was  the  first  president  of  the  society.  He 
was  a  promient  business  man  of  the  firm  of  Hagedorn,  Leupold 
&  Co.  When  he  had  fully  decided  to  go  to  the  colony  he  retired 
from  the  office  and  Dr.  Wm.  Schmoele  took  the  chair.  This  was 
in  January,  1838.  Dr.  Schmoele  remained  on  the  post  until  the 
dissolution  of  the  body. 

J.  G.  Wesselhoelt  served  faithfully  as  secretary  until  the  mid 
dle  of  February,  1838,  when  ill  health,  brought  about  by  over 
work,  compelled  him  to  resign.  The  vice-secretary,  Franz  G. 
Schreiber  assumed  the  responsibilities  of  this  office  and  continued 
in  its  service  until  early  in  January,  1839.  Then  A.  J.  Stockfleth 
was  elected  and  remained  to  chronicle  the  memorable  final  min 
utes  of  the  Philadelphia  society. 

Dr.  Mohring,  the  first  treasurer  elected,  seems  to  have  served 
only  for  a  short  time.  Adam  Schmidt  then  assumed  the  trust  and 
continued  custodian  of  the  wealth  of  the  society  until  late  in  the 
autumn  of  1839,  when  a  trip  abroad  compelled  him  to  lay  down 
his  office.  J.  G.  Wesselhoeft  then  served  as  treasurer  until  the 
end  of  the  organization. 

The  first  board  of  managers  consisted,  to  reiterate,  of  these 
gentlemen :  Stark,  Viereck,  Ritter,  Bayer,  Kiderlen,  Stollmeyer, 
Gentner,  Pommer,  Gebhard.  As  was  to  be  expected  this  body 
underwent  many  changes.  The  following  men  served  a  longer 
or  shorter  period :  W.  H.  Leupold,  E.  C.  Staffhorst,  Wm.  Feu- 
ring,  -  —  Bock,  D.  W.  Wonlein,  C.  W.  Gronau,  -  —  Schrader, 
Jacob  Hummel,  H.  Didrich,  Georg  Riefenstahl,  F.  Schreiber 
Adam  Maag,  Georg  Herwig,  F.  W.  C.  Seelhorst,  Daniel  Stuhlin- 

ger,  Koch,  Johann  Christmann. 

To  give  a  fairly  complete  statement  of  the  finances  of  the 
society  while  under  the  agent's  management,  we  insert  here  the 
full  ledger  of  Bayer  accounts.  The  treasurer's  record  should  be 
more  desirable,  but  unfortunately  that  is  not  extant  in  full.  But 
since  the  agent  received  and  expended  much  of  their  money  this 
will  prove  valuable. 


108 


German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 


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And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri. 


109 


It  goes 'without  saying  that  this  does  not  represent  the  full 
amount  received.  The  ledger,  which  by  the  way  remained  unclosed 
Avhen  the  society  disbanded,  shows  that  up  to  February  I2th, 
1839,  the  sum  of  $30,464.51  had  been  received.  After  this  date 
no  entries  are  made  in  the  ledger  though  we  know  that  certain 
transactions  took  place. 

The  names  of  the  participants  in  the  settlement  movement 
are  here  given.  The  addresses  accompanying  them  are  those 
which  the  shareholder  claimed  when  they  joined  the  society.  As 
the  source  of  our  information  we  cite  the  ledger  of  the  organiza 
tion,  yet  found  in  Hermann. 

Abglanalp,  Joh.,  Hermann,  Mo.      Batheusen,  Jacob,   Philadelphia 
Abker,  Joh.  Phil.,  Philadelphia        Bauer,  Adolf,  Allentown,  Pa. 
Ackermann,  Gottfried,  Philadel-     Baumann,  Joseph,  Philadelphia 


phia 


Bayer,  Catharina,  Philadelphia 


Albeck,     J.     Georg,     Montreal,      Bayer,  Geo.  F.,  Philadelphia 


Canada 

Albrecht,  Joh.  F.,  Philadelphia 
Albers,  Carl,   Philadelphia 
Ameling,  W.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Arnold,  Ferdinand,  Philadelphia 


Beck,  Christian,  Montreal,  Can. 
Beck,  Georg,  Montreal,  Can. 
Becker,  Carl,  Baltimore 
Becker,  Jacob,  Baltimore 
Beisswanger,  Joh.  G.,  Philadel 
phia 


Arnsfeld,     Heinrich,     Philadel-      Benninghofr,      Georg,     Philalel- 


phia 

Artemiews,  E.  D.,  Philadelphia 
Arx,  Samuel  J.  von,  New  York 
Asmus,  Charles,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Austermell,  Louis,   Philadelphia 

Bachmann,  Heinrich,  Lancaster, 

Ohio 

Backhaus,  Carl,  Cincinnati,  O. 
Bader,  Georg,  Philadelphia 
Baer,  Carl  F.,  Newark,  O. 
Baer,  Conrad,  Philadelphia 
Baer,  Theodor,  Philadelphia 


phia 
Bensing,     Nicolaus,     Hermann, 

Mo. 

Berger,  John,  Baltimore 
Berger,  J.  A.,  Baltimore 
Bergmann,     August,     Philadel 
phia 

Betz,  Wilhelm,  Philadelphia 
Bezold,  Adam,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Binz,  August,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Birk,  Matthias,  Philadelphia 
Bischoff,  F.  G.,  Baltimore 
Blaschek,  Franz,  Philadelphia 


Bandel,    Georg,    New     Orleans,      Bleile,  Benedickt,  Hermann,  Mo. 


La. 
Bar,  Karl,  Philadelphia 


Bleile,  Ignatz,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Blust,  John,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Barthels,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia      Bock,   Friedrich,   Philadelphia 
Barthels,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia      Bock,  Hermann,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Bartz,  Johann  G.,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.      Bock,  Johann,  Philadelphia 


no  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 


Bodenhoefer,  Joseph,  Philadel 
phia 

Boehringer,  Georg,  Hermann, 
Mo. 

Bohlen,  Carl  D.,   Philadelphia 

Bohm,  Adam,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Bohm,  Johann,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Bonzano,  N.  A.,  New  Orleans, 
La. 

Bonzheimer,,  Heinrich,  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Borchers,  Georg,  Baltimore 

Bottermann,  John,  Hermann, 
Mo. 

Braue,  Georg,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Braun,  Valentin^   Philadelphia 

Breyer,  Ludwig,  Philadelphia 

Brickwede,  A.,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Erode,  H.,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Brohmer,  Friedrich,  Albany,  N. 
Y. 

Bruder,  Thadeus,  Philadelphia 

Brues,  Dr.  Thomas,  Wheeling, 
Va. 

B  rugger,  Ignatius,  Skippacks- 
ville,  Pa. 

Brunet,  Amedi,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Brunet,  Pierre  Sr.,  Hermann, 
Mo. 

Brunner,  Joseph,  New  York 

Bruno,  C.  C.  R,  New  York 

Biihler,  J.  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 

Bullmann,  Caroline,  Cleveland, 
Ohio 

Bunker,  Heinrich,  New  Orleans, 
La. 

Burger,  Samuel,  Zoar,  O. 

Burkhard,  Phil.  Jac.,  Reading, 
Pa. 

Buss,  Jacob,  Cleveland,  O. 

Bute,  Georg  Heinr.,  Philadel 
phia 

Campe,  J.  F.  J.,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 
Carsten,  H.  A.,  Hermann,  Mo. 


Christern,  Jac.  Fried.,  Philadel 
phia 

Christmann,  Johann,  Philadel 
phia 

Circovich,  Gabriel  Kowitzky, 
Philadelphia 

Clauss,  George,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Clemmer,  Johann,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

Combernas,  Albert,  Philadelphia 

Cullmann,   Jacob,   Philadelphia 

Curtius,  Hermann,  New  York 

Decker,  Christian,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Decker,  Philipp,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Degenhardt,  Philipp,  Pittsburg, 

Pa. 
Deutsch,     Georg,     Phoenixville, 

Pa. 

Dikemann,  Anna  Maria,   Phila 
delphia 
Diebold,     Colestin,    Springfield, 

Ohio 

Diebold,  Michael,  Springfield,  O. 
Diedrich,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 
Dill,  Johann,  New  Orleans,  La. 
Disteldorf,  Christian,  New  York 
Disteldorf,  Wiihelm,  New  York 
Dithmer,  Carl,  Philadelphia 
Doeltner,  Hannah,  New  York 
Doeltner,     Joh.     Michael,    New 

York 

Dohrmann,  Friedrich,  New  York 
Dold,  Andreas,   Philadelphia 
Doll,  Joh.  Michael,  New  York 
Dormeyer,  Caroline,  Cleveland. 

O. 

Dormeyer,  Jacob,  Cleveland,  O. 
Dormeyer,  Philipp,  Cleveland,  O. 
Doss,  Silvester,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Ducommon,  Henry,  Philadelphia 
Duetz,   Philipp,   Saloma,   Center 

Co.,  Pa. 

Duhring,  Dr.  Georg,  Philadel 
phia 

Ebstadt,  Louis,  Philadelphia 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri. 


in 


Echternacht,  Heinr.  Wilh.,  Phil 
adelphia 

Eckhard,  Leonard,  Philadelphia 

Egers,  Eduard,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Ehrmann,  Benjamin,  New  Ber 
lin 

Eichinger,  Jacob,  New  Orleans 

Eickhoff,  Carl  Ludwig,  Philadel 
phia 

Eitzen,  Chas.  D.,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Engelbert,  Benjamin,  Philadel 
phia 

Engelbert,  Johann,  Hermann, 
Mo. 

Engelbert,  Joseph,   Philadelphia 

Engelhardt,  Wilhelm,  Philadel 
phia 

Eppelsheimer,  Daniel,  Philadel 
phia 

Erler,  Friedrich  G.,  Zoar,  O. 

Ernst,  J.  G.,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Eyer,  J.  Ph.,  Baltimore 

Fegenbusch,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Ferentheil,  C.  v.,  Philadelphia 
Feuring?  Eva  M.,  Philadelphia 
Feuring,  Wilhelm,   Philadelphia 
Fickeisen,  Daniel,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 
Fiedler,  Adam,  Philadelphia 
Finn,  H.  G.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Finn,  John  G.,  Philadelphia 
Fischer,  George,  Philadelphia 
Fischer,  Jacob,  St.  Francisville, 

La. 
Franksen,    Franke,    Manayunk, 

Pa. 

Frechmann,    Sabinus,    Philadel 
phia 
Freyvogel,  Christian,  Hermann, 

Mo. 

Friedrichs,    Aug.  Wilh.,   Phila 
delphia 
Frommherr,  J.,     New     Orleans, 

La. 
Fuchs,  Nicholaus,  Philadelphia 


Fugger,  Phil.  Jacob,  Columbia 
Furch,  Friedrich,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Fuss,  G.  A.,  Philadelphia 

Gabriel,  Daniel,  Reading,  Pa. 
Gabriel,     Dominicus,     Reading, 

Pa. 
Gaebler,    J.   Friedr.,    Montreal, 

Canada 

Gartmann,    Heinrich,    Philadel 
phia 

Gawley,  Thomas,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Gebhard,  F.  L.  C.,  Philadelphia 
Gellert,  Wilhelm,  Philadelphia 
Gemf,  Friedrich,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Centner,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Centner,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 
Gerber,   Christian,  Baltimore 
Gerber,  Dr.  J.,  Lancaster,  O. 
Gerber,  J.,  Newark,  O. 
Gerker,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 
Gerlach,  Georg,  New  York 
Gerssle,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 
Gessler,   Christian,   Philadelphia 
Goelitz,  Louis,  Philadelphia 
Goetz,  Rudolph,  Philadelphia 
Gott,  Bernard,  Philadelphia 
Gottlieb,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Graber,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Graf,  Anton,  Philadelphia 
Grahn,  Carl  M.,  Philadelphia 
Grasseley,  Eugen,   Philadelphia 
Greiner,  Christoph,  Philadelphia 
Greis,  Kaspar,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Groh,  Johann,  New  York 
Gronau,  C.  W.,  Philadelphia 
Gronhardt,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Gulden,  Ferdinand,  Philadelphia 

Haas,  Ernst,  Philadelphia 
Haas,   Fried.  Joh.,  Philadelphia 
Haberstock,  Daniel,  Philadelphia 
Hagel,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Hagel,  Michael,  Philadelphia 


U2  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 


Haggenmacher,     Heinr.,    Phila 
delphia 

Harig,    Joh.     Bernhardt,    Balti 
more 

Harig,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Harnisch,  Julius,  Philadelphia 
Hartmann,   Jacob   Christ.,    New 

York 

Harttmg,  Jacob,  Beaver  Co.,  Pa. 
Hasenpatt,     Christian,    Philadel 
phia 
Heckmann,  Heinrich,  Pittsburg, 

Pa. 

Heckmann,    Mathias,    Philadel 
phia 

Heinlein,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Heiner,  Anna    Maria,  Philadel 
phia 

Heinemann,  Daniel,  Philadelphia 
Heirtz,  Ferdinand,  Philadelphia 
Heitzmann,  C.  F.,  Reading,  Pa. 
Heitzmann,  Gabriel,  Reading, 

Pa. 

Heitzmann,  Maria,  Reading,  Pa. 
Helffrich,  Johann,  Lehigh  Co., 

Pa. 

Hemme,  Anton  Franz,  Philadel 
phia 

Henning,  Wilhelm,  Philadelphia 
Henrich,  W.  L.,  Columbus,  O. 
Herwig,  Georg,  Philadelphia 
Herzog,  Eduard,   Philadelphia 
Hesse,  Caspar,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Hetz,  Joseph  Friedr.,  Montreal, 

Canada 

Heyl,  Elizabeth,  Jersey 
Heywald,   Charles,   Philadelphia 
Hildebrand,   Jacob,   Albany,   N. 

Y. 

Hiller,  Joseph,  Philadelphia 
Hirschmann,   Johann,    Philadel 
phia 

Hisigas,  Ludwig,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Hitz,  Joseph,  Philadelphia 
Hoch,  Heinrich,  Reading,  Pa. 


Hoehling,  Adolph,  Philadelphia 
Hoesel,  Ferdinand,  Philadelphia 
Hoffmann,  Christoph,  Pittsburg, 

Pa. 

Hoffmann,  H.,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 
Hoffman,   Johann,   Mantau  Vil 
lage 

Hoffmeister,     Fried.,    Philadel 
phia 
Hoffstatter,   Michael,  Pittsburg, 

Pa. 

Hofle,  Johann,  New  York 
Hoge,  Jacob,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Horn,  August,  Philadelphia 
Horn,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Hornmeyer,  Francisca,  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Horstmann,  W.  H.,  Philadelphia 
Hostatter,     Christian,    Philadel 
phia 

Hubeli,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Huber,  H.,  Lancaster,  O. 
Hummel,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Hussmann,     Joh.     Heinr.     M., 

Philadelphia 

Hussmann,  Friedr.,  Philadelphia 
Hussmann,   J.   F.   M.,   Philadel 
phia 
Hiitz,  M.  J.,  Philadelphia 

Idemann,  J.  L.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Idler,  Ernst,  Montreal,  Canada 
Inderrieden,  Joseph,  Baltimore 
Israng,  David,  New  Orleans,  La. 
Iversen,  Anton,  Augusta,  Ga. 

Jacobus,  Margaretha,  Philadel 
phia 

Jaeger,  Friedrich,  New  Orleans, 
La. 

Jaeger,  Leupold  Georg,  Phila 
delphia 

Jahn,  F.  G.,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Jahns,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri, 


Jarton,  Maria  Louisa,  Philadel 
phia 

Jennyi  Abraham,  Philadelphia 
Jenny,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
John,  F.  G.,  New  Orleans,  La. 
Jordan,   Johann,    New    Orleans, 

La. 

Jung,  Hermann,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Jung,  Leonhard,  Philadelphia 
Jungandreas,     Carl,     Hermann, 
Mo. 

Kaercher,  Conrad  M.,  Philadel 
phia 

Kaiser,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Kaltner,  F.  G.,  Baltimore 
Kayser,    Alexander,    Hermann, 

Mo. 

Kehr,   Joh.    Andreas,    Philadel 
phia 

Kehrer,  Martin,  Philadelphia 
Keller,  Adam,  Philadelphia 
Kemper,    Hermann,     Hermann, 

Mo. 
Kerchner,    Mich.     Anton.  New 

York 

Kersch,  Ferdinand,  New  York 
Kerschenbach,   Fried.,   Philadel 
phia 

Kessler,  Joseph,  Cincinnati,  O. 
Kiderlen  &  Stollmeyer,     Phila 
delphia 

Kiefer,  Jacob,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Kielmann,    Wilhelm,     Philadel 
phia 

Kinkelin,  A.,  Philadelphia 
Klaering,     August,     Hermann, 

Mo. 

Klaering,  A.  F.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Klapp,  Jacob,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Kleber,  Heinrich,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 
Klein,  Christian,  Philadelphia 
Klett,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Klingling,  Richard,  Dayton,  O. 
Klink,  Jacob,  Hermann,  Mo. 


Kloth,  J.  H.,  Phoenixville,  Pa. 
Klotter,  Georg,  Philadelphia 
Klumpp,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Kneisel,    Carl  Aug.,   Cleveland, 

Ohio 

Knodel,  Casper,  Philadelphia 
Knoll,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Knoll,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Knop,  Hermann,  Philadelphia 
Koch,  Eduard,  Philadelphia 
Koch,  Georg,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Koch,  Joh.  Heinr.,  Philadelphia 
Koch,  Georg  Mich.,  Albany,  N. 

Y. 
Koenig,   Lorenz,   New  Orleans, 

La. 

Koepf,  Reinhold,  Philadelphia 
Koepken,  Heinr.,  Philadelphia 
Kohl  Carl,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Kohlenberg,     Eduard,     Albany, 

N.  Y. 

Koller,  Philipp,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Koos,  Eugen,  Newark,  O. 
Korkhauss,  Heinr.,  Philadelphia 
Korner,  Christian,  Dayton,  O. 
Kormeyer,  Franzisco,  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Kranz,  Johann,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Kraug,   Christian,   Philadelphia 
Krauss,   Gottfried,   Philadelphia 
Krauter,  Mathaus,  Philadelphia 
Kreikemeyer,    Christ.,    Philadel 
phia 
Kreuchy,     Gottlieb,     Hermann, 

Mo. 
Kripplebert,     Michael,     Albany, 

N.  Y. 

Kroeber,  Michael,  Cleveland,  O. 
Kroecker,     Margaretha,     Phila 
delphia 

Krueger,  Ludwig,  Germantown 
Kruse,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 
Kiihn,  John,  York,  Pa. 
Kiihne,  Carl  Ludwig,  Philadel 
phia 


114  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 


Kiihne,  Conrad  Fried.,  Philadel 
phia 

Kiihne,  Franz  Heinr.,  Philadel 
phia 

Kiihnholtz,  Friedrich,  Philadel 
phia 

Kurz,  Joh.  Jacob,  Baltimore 

Laackmann,  Ferdinand,  Phila 
delphia 

Lahring,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 
Lahring,  Jno.  H.,  Philadelphia 
Laib,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Laib,  Gottlieb,  Philadelphia 
Lambers,  Rebecca,  Baltimore 
Lampartee,  Heinrich,  Hermann, 

Mo. 

Lang,  David,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Langendorfer,   Franz,   Philadel 
phia 

Langguth,  Christ.  Aug.,  Phila 
delphia 

Lauer,  Friedrich,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Ledermann,    J.,  New     Orleans, 

La. 

Lehder,  F.,  New  Orleans,  La. 
Leibrock,  Fritz,  Reading,  Pa. 
Leichmann,  Wilh.,  Hermann, 

Mo. 

Leidorff,  Philipp,  Philadelphia 
Leimer,  Alexander,  Philadelphia 
Leimer,  August,  Philadelphia 
Lemberger,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Lemberger,   Wilh.,   Philadelphia 
Lenke,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Lensing,      Gerhart,     Hermann, 

Mo. 

Leonhard,  August,  Philadelphia 
Leonhard,    Friedrich,    Philadel 
phia 
Leser,    Andreas,   New   Orleans, 

La. 

Leupold,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Leupold,  Julius,  Philadelphia 
Leupold,  W.  H.,  Philadelphia 


Liebach,  Konrad,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Liebau,  Charles,  Cincinnati,  O. 

Liebermann,  Alphonse,  Phila 
delphia 

Liebrichj    Conrad,    Philadelphia 

Lindauer,  Christian,  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Lion,  Peter,  Philadelphia 

Lipsz,  Johann,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Loewen,  John,  Cleveland,  O. 

Loos,  Ferdinand,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

Lotterle,    Gottlieb,   Philadelphia 

Liideking,  Friedrich,  Philadel 
phia 

Ludolph,  Justus,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

Lutz,  Friedrich,  Phcenixville,  Pa. 

Lutz,  Joseph,  Phcenixville,  Pa. 

Lutz,  Johann,  Georg,  Albany,  N. 
Y. 

Maag,  Adam,  Philadelphia 
Maag,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Maag,  Mathias,  Philadelphia 
Magens,    Christoph,     Montreal, 

Canada 

Manercke,  Joh.  Heinr.,  Philadel 
phia 

Mann,  Theodor,  Philadelphia 
Manss,  Georg,  Philadelphia 
Martin,  Adam,  Philadelphia 
Matthia,  A.,  New  York 
Mausehund,   Martin,   Hermann, 

Mo. 

May,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Mayer,  C.  L.,  Philadelphia 
Mayer,  Johann,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Mayer,  W.  F.,  Philadelphia 
Mecke,  Georg  Heinr.,  Philadel 
phia 

Medinger,  Christoph  A.,  Balti 
more 

Melcheor,  Carl,  Philadelphia 
Mendenhall,    Philipp,     Philadel 
phia 
Mersinger,  Jacob,   Philadelphia 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri. 


Metzger,  Karl,  Philadelphia 
Metzger,   Christopher,  Philadel 
phia 

Meyer,  Bernhard  Martin,  Phila 
delphia 

Meyer,  Ernst,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Meyer,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Meyer,  Wilh.  R,  Lancaster,  O. 
Miller,  Anthony,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Miller,  Joh.  H.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Mitthoff,  Hecktor  A.,  Schuylkill 

Co.,  Pa. 

Mittnacht,  G.  H.,  Baltimore 
Moedinger,  Gottl.  F.,  Baltimore 
Moehring,  Dr.   G.,  Philadelphia 
Moersinger,     Georg,   New    Or 
leans,  La. 

Mohl,  Wilhelm,  Philadelphia 
Molidor,  Franz,  Philadelphia 
Molidor,  Joseph,  Philadelphia 
Molidor,  Wilhelm,  New  York 
Moroth,  M.,  Newark,  O. 
Morloch,  Jacob,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 
Morsfelder,   S.,   Baltimore 
Muermann,  Heinr.,  New  York 
Miihlenbach,  F.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Miiller,  Caspar,  Philadelphia 
Miiller,  Georg,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Miiller,  Peter,  Cleveland,  O. 
Miiller,  Wilhelm,  New  Orleans, 

La. 

Miiller,  Wilhelm,  Philadelphia 
Miintzke,  Anton,  Newark,  O. 
Miissig,  Anton,  Philadelphia 
Miissig,  David,  Philadelphia 


Naegelin,  Chas.,  Philadelphia 
Neitzmann,    C.    L.,     Hermann, 

Mo. 

Nestler,  Martin,  Philadelphia 
Netz,  J.  F.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Neufeldt,  Capt,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Neumeyer,  Herm.  F.,  Hermann, 

Mo. 


Nider,  Adam,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Niekerke,  Ludw.  Friedr.,  Phila 
delphia 

Nock,  Joseph2  Philadelphia 
Noe,  Carl  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Noessel,  Georg,  New    Orleans, 

La. 
Nuys,  W.  van,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

Oelschlaeger,  Catherine,  Her 
mann,  Mo. 

Oelschlaeger,  Christoph  Fr., 
Hermann,  Mo. 

Oelschlaeger,  Daniel,  Philadel 
phia 

Oesterle,  Johann,  Baltimore 

Oesternacht,  Heinr.  Wilh.,  Phil 
adelphia 

Oestreicher,  Johann,  Philadel 
phia 

Orth,  Alexander,  Philadelphia 

Osterloh,  C.  C.,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Ott,  Georg,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Ottoh,  Franz  Herm.,  New  York 

Petri,  Martin,  Philadelphia 

Pfautsch,  Georg  Herm.,  Her 
mann,  -Mo. 

Pfeiffer,  Wilhelm,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 

Pfeil,  P.,  Baltimore 

Pfister,  Philipp,  Philadelphia 

Pfoi,  Sylverius,  New  Orleans, 
La. 

Pinker,  H.  J.  C,  New  Orleans, 
La. 

Plank,  Friedrich,  New  Orleans, 
La. 

Pollart,  Joh.  Friedr.,  Philadel 
phia 

Pommer,  Carl,  Philadelphia 

Pommer,  Caroline  Dorothea, 
Philadelphia 

Pommer,  Edward,  Hermann, 
Mo. 


u6  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 


Pommer,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 

Pommer,  Wilhelm  F.,  Philadel 
phia 

Pommer,  Wilhelm,  Cincinnati, 
O. 

Pond,  Daniel,  Philadelphia 

Prager,  J.  G.,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Presser,  C.  Valentine,  Philadel 
phia 

Pulte,  Carl  Anton,  Skippacks- 
ville,  Pa. 

Quandt,  Johann,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Rammelsberg,  Friedrich,  Cincin 
nati,  O. 

Rasche,  F.,  Philadelphia 
Rasche,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 
Rau,  Peter,  Philadelphia 
Rauschlager,  Johann,  Cleveland, 

Ohio 

Rebhun,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Reichenbach,    Friedrich,     Phila 
delphia 

Reiger,  Louis,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Reinhardt,  Friedrich,  Hermann, 

Mo. 
Reinhardt,    Gottlieb,     Montreal, 

Canada 

Rice,  J.  C.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Richter,  Job.  Gottfr.  Carl,  Phil 
adelphia 

Rickle,  Jacob,  Newark,  O. 
Rickle,  John,  Newark,  O. 
Rickenbock,  H.,  Lancaster,  O. 
Ried,  Jacob  J.,  Philadelphia 
Rieffenstahl,  Georg,  Philadelphia 
Riemann,    Ferdinand,   Philadel 
phia 

Rietze,  Heinrich,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Ripperger,  Conrad,  Philadelphia 
Ripperger,  Heinr.    J.,  Philadel 
phia 
Ritter,  C.  G.,  Philadelphia 


Ritter,  Florenz,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Roemer,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 
Roesle,  Gottfried,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Roessler,  J.,  New  Orleans,  La. 
Rohe,  Michael,  Philadelphia 
Rohrbacher,      Christian,      Her 
mann,  Mo. 

Roller,  Joseph,  Philadelphia 
Rollhaus,  Daniel,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Rollhaus,  Philipp,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Rommel,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Roos,  Conrad,  Philadelphia 
Rosche,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 
Rosenberger,  Michael,  Cleveland, 

Ohio 

Rosenberger,  Nicholaus,  Cleve 
land,  Ohio 

Rosienkiwiez,  Martin,  Philadel 
phia 

Roeske,  August,  Philadelphia 
Roeske,  Caroline,  Philadelphia 
Rosle,  Gottfried,  New  Orleans, 

La. 
Rothert,     Hermann,     Hermann, 

Mo. 

Rothrang,  Michael,  Philadelphia 
Ruff,  Johann     Georg,    Philadel 
phia 

Runkele,  Daniel  Fr.,  Philadel 
phia 

Rutschmann,  Siegmund,  Phila 
delphia 

Sandermann,  Johann,  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Sattler,  Magdalena,  Philadelphia 

Schachtberger,  Johann,  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Schachtleiter,  F.  Anton,  Pitts- 
burg,  Pa. 

Schafer,  Christian,  Philadelphia 

Schafer,  Georg,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Schaefer,  Christopher,  Philadel 
phia 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri. 


117 


Schaefer,  Jacob  Friedr.,  Phila 
delphia 

Schaeffer,  Friedr.  Georg,  Phila 
delphia 

Schaeffer,  Joh.  G.,  Philadelphia 
Scheide,  Wilhelm,  Philadelphia 
Scheidemantel,   Charles,  Colum 
bia,  Texas 

Scheidt,  Adam,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Scheidt,  Peter,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Schellenberg,    Franz,     Philadel 
phia 

Scherff,  J.,  Baltimore 
Schernicke,  Marie  Louise,  Cleve 
land,  O. 

Scherr,  Christian,  Philadelphia 
Scherr,  Ludwig,  Philadelphia 
Schiedel,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Schiefer,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Schierholz,  Emil,  Cincinnati,  O. 
Schild,  Conrad,  Philadelphia 
Schindler,  Joseph,   Philadelphia 
Schlachtberger,  Joseph,  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Schlegel,  H.  von,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Schlomer,  C.  L.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Schmid,    Emanuel    Fried.,  Cin 
cinnati,  O. 
Schmid,  Wilhelm,  New  Orleans, 

La. 

Schmidt,  Adam,  Philadelphia 
Schmidt,  Adam,  Newark,  Ohio 
Schmidt,   Joh.    Fried.,   Philadel 
phia 

Schmidt,  Johann,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Schmidt,  Josef,  Philadelphia 
Schmidt,   P.  Wilhelm,  Philadel 
phia 
Schmitz,    Bernhard,     Newtown, 

Pa. 

Schmoele,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 
Schmoele,   Dr.   Wilh.,   Philadel 
phia 
Schneider,  Adam,  Philadelphia 


Schneider,    Friedrich,    Philadel 
phia  ,| 
Schneider,   Georg  Jacob,   Phila 
delphia 
Schneider,     Philipp,     Hermann, 

Mo. 

Schniedewind,  Hermann,  Phila 
delphia 

Schock,  Georg,  Philadelphia 
Schock,  John  J.,  Philadelphia 
Schonthaler,   Gottfr.,   Hermann, 

Mo. 

Schonthaler,  Joh.  Christ.,  Phila 
delphia 

Schotten,  Georg,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Schrader,  August,  Philadelphia 
Schrader,   Franz  von,   Philadel 
phia 

Schrader,  Heinr.  Christ..  Phila 
delphia 

Schrader,  Otto  von,  Philadelphia 
Schramm,  Leonhard,  Hermann, 

Mo. 

Schreiber,     Franz    G.,  Philadel 
phia 
Schreiber,     Johann,     Hermann, 

Mo. 

Schuatz,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Schubert,  Wilhelm,  Philadelphia 
Schuele,   Joh.    Georg,   Philadel 
phia 

Schultz,  Joseph,  New  York 
Schurmacher,  Conrad,  Baltimore 
Schiitze,     Gottfried,     Hermann, 

Mo. 

Schwacke,  Joh.  Heinr.,  Philadel 
phia 

Schwartze,  Friedrich,  Baltimore 
Schweikert,  Bernhard,  Philadel 
phia 
Schweitzer,  Conrad,  Albany,  N. 

Y. 

Schweitzer,  Hermann,   Philadel 
phia 


n8  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 


Schweyer,     Joseph,     Hermann, 

Mo. 

Seelhorst,  F.  W.  C.,  Philadelphia 
Seffert,  John,  Philadelphia 
Seiler,  Johannes,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Seilheimer,   Heinrich,    Philadel 
phia 

Seitz,  Adam,  Philadelphia 
Seitz,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Seller,  Andreas,  New  York 
Seltzer,  Eduard,  Philadelphia 
Semken,  Fr.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Sengenberger,  Adam,   Philadel 
phia 

Senn,  Wilhelm,  Philadelphia 
Seybold,  Joh.  Philipp,  Montreal, 

Canada 

Sidler,  Johann,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Siedler,  Adam,  Philadelphia 
Sigrist,  Ludwig,  Philadelphia 
Seller,  Georg  M.,  Philadelphia 
Sommerhalter,    Ludwig,    Phila 
delphia 
Spererer,  Fried.  Carl,  Pittsburg, 

Pa. 

Spindler,  Matthias,  Baltimore 
Staffhorst,  Erhard    C.,  Philadel 
phia 

Stark,  Ferdinand,  Philadelphia 
Stephan,  Martin,  Philadelphia 
Stieweg,  H.  C.,  Fairfield,  Pa. 
Stietenroth,    Heinr.,    Evansville, 

Ind. 

Stirnemann,  Ulrich,  Philadelphia 
Stockfleth,  Adolf  Fr.,  Philadel 
phia 

Stoecklein,  Martin,  Philadelphia 
Stoehr,  Wilhelm,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Storb,  Theodor,  Montgomery 

Co.,  Pa. 

Stottmeyer,  C.  F.,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Stiibgen,  Gustav,  Philadelphia 
Stiihiinger,  Daniel,  Philadelphia 
Stumm,    Carl   Wilh.,    Pittsburg, 
Pa. 


Summ,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Supper,  Georg,  Philadelphia 
Supper,  Johann,  Philadelphia 

Talmann,  Johann,  New  Orleans, 

La. 

Thaldorf, ,  Baltimore 

Theiss,  Johann,  Philadelphia 
Tiemann,  Christian,  Philadelphia 
Tilg,  Wilhelm,  Philadelphia 
Trautwein,  Carl,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Trautwein,     Daniel,     Hermann, 

Mo. 
Trautwein,  Elizabeth,  Hermann, 

Mo. 
Triebler,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 

Vahrenhorstt    J.  H.,    Hermann, 

Mo. 

Valet,  Adam,  Philadelphia 
Valet,  Christoph,  Philadelphia 
Valet,  Jacob,  Philadelphia 
Veit,  Heinr.  Ludw.,  Columbus, 

Ohio 

Viereck,  Catharine,  Philadelphia 
Viereck,  Friedrich,  Philadelphia 
Viereck,  Johann  C.,  Philadelphia 
Viereck,  Marie  Elizabeth,  Phila 
delphia 

Vieth,  Joseph,  New  Orleans,  La. 
Voegtly,    Nicholaus,     Pittsburg, 

Pa. 

Vogt,  Joseph,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Vogt,  Theodor,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Wagenschwanz,   V.,     Cleveland, 

O. 

Wagner,  Adam,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Wagner,  Conrad,  Philadelphia 
Wagner,  Jacob,  Pittsburg,  Pa. 
Wallrapp,  Wilhelm,  Philadelphia 
Walther,  Georg,  Manayunk,  Pa. 
Wandel,  Adam,  Philadelphia 
Wandel,  Peter,  Russetville,  Ky. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  M^sso^^,r^. 


119 


Wangelin,  Adolf  von,  Cleveland, 
Ohio 

Wangelin,  Friderika  von,  Cleve 
land,  Ohio 

Weber,  Albert,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Weber,  Sylvester,  Philadelphia 

Weigel,  Heinrich,  New  Orleans, 
La. 

Weller,  Jonas,  Philadelphia 

Welter,  Nikolas,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Wendel,  J.  Peter,  Russetville, 
Ky. 

Werkloe,  Heinrich,  Philadelphia 

Werkner,  Carl,  New  Orleans, 
La. 

Wesselhoeft,  J.  G.,  Philadelphia 

Wesselhoeft,  C.  R,  Philadelphia 

Wesselhoeft,  Dr.  W.,  Bath,  Pa. 

Westerfeldt,  Heinrich,  New  Or 
leans,  La. 

Wetzel,  August,  New  Orleans, 
La. 

Wetzel,  Jacob,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Wetzstein,  John  O.,  New  York 

Widersprecher,  D.,  St.  Louis, 
Mo. 

Widmann,   Fr.  Wilh.,   Philadel- 

Wilcke,  F.  W.,  Philadelphia 
Will,  Georg,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Willing,  Nick.,  New  Orleans, 

La. 

Wirth,  Franz,  New  Orleans,La. 
Wittmann2  David,  Philadelphia. 


Witmann,  John  H.,  Philadelphia 
Woellner,  Carl,  Ciincinnati,  O. 
Woern,  John,  Hermann,  Mo. 
Wohlein,  D.  W.,  Philadelphia 
Wolf,  Moritz  Leo,  Piladelphia 
Wollenscheider,  Jacob,  Newark, 

O. 
Wollensack,    Andreas,    Albany, 

N.  Y. 
Wollensack,     Johann,     Albany, 

N.  Y. 

Wollenweber,  L.  A.  Philadelphia 
Wolsieffer,  Johann,  New  York 
Wornweg,  Wilhelm,  Hermann, 

Mo. 

Yeager,  Jacob,  Cleveland,  O. 
Young,  Wm.  E.,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Zaiser,  August,  Philadelphia 

Zeller,  Jno.  A.,  Newark,  O. 

Ziegler,  Georg,  Philadelphia 

Ziegler,  August,  Hermann,  Mo. 

Zimmermann,  Christ,  Philadel 
phia 

Zimmermann,  Gottlieb,  Philadel 
phia 

Zipperer,  Johann  Georg,  Phil 
adelphia 

Zoller,  Johann  Georg,  Philadel 
phia 

Zorn,  Joseph,  New  Orleans,  La. 

Zorn,  Peter,  New  Orleans,  La. 


Tnus  we  have  a  grand  total  of  678  participants  in  the  affair. 

The  last  share  which  the  officials  at  Philadelphia  disposed 
of  was  sold  on  Dec.  i,  1839,  or  a  few  days  before  the  dissolution 
of  the  organization. 


I2O  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

CHAPTER  II. 

THE   COLONY    HERMANN. 

i.  GENERAL  VIEW. 

In  1858  the  venerable  Friedrich  Munch  gave  this  picture  of 
Hermann,  which  was  then  twenty  years  old. 

,,Hermann,  siidlich  am  Missouri  in  Gasconade  County  mit  1400 
teutschen  Einwohnern,  einem  Hauptdepot  der  Pacific-Eisenbahn, 
zwei  Kirchen,  einem  teutschen  Gesellschaftshaus ;  Hauptgewerbe 
ist  der  Weinbau;  hat  eine  teutsche  Zeitung.  Hermann  ist  auf  der 
Siidseite  amphitheatralisch  von  Hiigelreihen  umgeben,  auf  welchen 
erst  in  den  letzten  Jahren  der  Urwald  ausgetilgt  wurde,  um  fur 
die  jahrlich  sich  mehrenden  Rebenanlagen  Platz  zu  machen.  Ist 
auch  der  Boden  landeinwarts  nicht  besonders  fruchtbar,  so  ist  er 
doch  mit  grossem  Fleisse  angebaut  und  der  nicht  bebaute  Theil  gut 
beholzt.  Gegeniiber  auf  der  Nordseite  des  Stromes  erstreckt  sich 
weithin  ein  Strich  der  fruchtbarsten  Missouri-Niederung.  Der 
Strom  ist  hier  sehr  breit,  und  gerade  vor  der  Stadt  liegt  eine  grosse 
aber  unbewohnte  Insel.  In  Hermann  vergisst  man  dass  man  sich 
in  einem  nicht  teutschen  Lande  befindet.  Zwei  offentliche  Schulen 
(von  welchen  die  eine  fur  immer  eine  teutsche  bleiben  muss)  sor- 
gen  fur  die  Unterweisung  der  Jugend."* 

This  rather  general  picture  is  supplemented  by  Gert  Goebel 
who  touches  upon  a  few  more  details.  His  account  dates  almost 
twenty  years  after  Hunch's : 

,,Der  eigentliche  Geschaftstheil  der  Stadt  liegt  in  der  Nahe  des 
Flusses  und  der  Eisenbahn;  dort  ist  das  Terrain  ganz  eben,  die 
Hauser  stehen  dicht  beisammen  und  die  Strassen  sind  gut  ge- 
pflastert  und  mit  breiten  Trottoirs  versehen,  aber  sobald  man  sich 
von  diesem  Stadttheil  etwas  entfernt,  nimmt  der  Ort  einen  land- 
licheren  Anstrich  an ;  die  Wohnungen  stehen  einzelner  und  sind  von 
einer  einfacheren  Bauart,  und  das  ganze  Grundstiick  um  die  Hauser 
herum  ist  mit  Gemiise,  Obstbaumen  und  Reben  bepflanzt.  Ein  Spa- 
ziergang  durch  die  Stadt,  womoglich  zur  Zeit  der  Obstbliithe,  hei- 
melt  einen  alten  Deutschen  sehr  an,  denn  er  kann  sich  einbilden, 
plotzlich  in  eines  der  grossen,  wohlhabenden  Dorfer  in  der  alten 
Heimath  versetzt  worden  zu  sein,  und  ich  habe  sogar  schon  man- 
chen  Amerikaner,  den  ich  wahrend  eines  solchen  Ganges  auf  die 
einfachen  und  natiirlichen  Schonheiten  aufmerksam  machte,  ganz 

*  Munch,  "Der  Staat  Missouri"  p.  204. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  121 

gemuthlich  werden  sehen,  besonders  wenn  wir  erst  in  den  Wein- 
kellern  der  Herrn  Georg  Hussmann  oder  Michael  Poschel  Wein- 
probe  gehalten  batten/'* 

These  quotations  give  indeed  a  very  fair  picture  of  Hermann 
as  it  appears  even  to-day.  Only  we  do  not  really  see  how  well 
the  streets  are  kept,  nor  the  touch  of  modern  life  in  electric  il 
lumination,  modern,  tasteful,  quite  up-to-date  business  houses, 
nor  the  typical  tall  church  steeples,  nor  the  quaint  old  buildings, 
showing  a  strange  architecture,  their  roofs  dripping  on  the  side 
walk,  against  which  they  are  closely  pressed,  as  if  building  space 
were  indeed  scarce.  If  one  adds  these  facts  to  the  above  descrip 
tion  the  picture  of  peaceful  Hermann  is  practically  complete. 

In  previous  chapters  we  have  from  time  to  time  obtained  an 
insight  into  the  growth  of  the  colony  Hermann,  while  it  was  yet 
subject  to  the  Philadelphia  society.  We  shall  now  see  how  the 
settlement  prospered,  after  the  separation,  how  far  it  has  re 
mained  true  to  its  traditions  and  what  it  has  contributed  to  the 
commonwealth  in  which  it  exists.  In  order  to  understand  and 
appreciate  the  accomplishments  of  the  colony,  we  are  compelled 
to  pursue  the  method  of  reverting  constantly  to  the  beginning, 
when  rifle  and  axe  prepare  the  way  for  civilization,  and  then  lead 
up,  gradually,  to  present  day  conditions.  In  this  way,  it  is  be 
lieved,  a  rather  complete  perspective  will  be  obtained. 

Throughout  the  State  of  Missouri,  Hermann  is  familiarly 
known  as  Little  Germany.  According  to  the  census  of  1900  its 
population  is  only  1,575,  most  of  whom  are  German,  and  the 
county  in  which  it  is  found,  Gasconade,  has,  according  to  the  same 
census,  1,453  foreign  born  Germans.  These  last  figures  by  no 
means  represent  the  numerical  strength  of  the  Germans  of  the 
county,  since  all  those  born  here  are  classed  as  natives.  The  set 
tlement  being  old,  most  of  those  included  in  the  report  are  Ameri 
can  born.  When  Fr.  Munch  wrote  the  passage  quoted  at  the 
beginning  of  this  chapter,  Hermann  had  1,400  inhabitants.  It 
was  then  no  longer  held,  as  was  formerly  the  case,  that  Hermann 


*  Goebel,  "Langer  als  ein  Menschenleben  in  Missouri,"  p.  140. 


122  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

would  outstrip  every  town  in  the  state  save  St.  Louis.  Still  it 
was  confidently  expected  that  it  would  continue  to  grow  con- 
sistantly.  The  reasons  for  this  failure  to  grow  have  been  pre 
viously  enumerated  and  scarcely  need  reiteration  here.  In  a  word 
the  geographical  and  topographical  conditions  of  the  location  de 
termined  its  growth.  Though  small,  the  town  and  its  environs 
bear  the  unmistakable  stamp  of  things  German. 

It  is  now  seen  clearly  that  the  members  of  the  Ansiedlungs- 
Gesellschaft,  when  they  pleaded  for,  urged  and  then  demanded  the 
transfer  of  power,  entertained  but  little  intention  of  continuing 
in  the  spirit  of  the  fathers  of  the  movement.  They  wisely  enough 
foresaw  a  continual  struggle  against  insurmountable  odds  ahead 
of  them,  should  they  strive  to  carry  out  the  plans  to  the  letter. 
Consequently  they  early  contented  themselves  with  a  modified  in 
terpretation  of  the  plans,  as  in  the  nature  of  things  they  were 
compelled  to  do.  But  the  way  in  which  they  have,  after  all,  suc 
ceeded  in  fostering  and  upholding  things  German,  after  the  cur 
tailment  of  so  many  apparent  possibilities,  must  elicit  from  all 
sides  the  heartiest  plaudits.  Their  accomplishments  still  stand, 
and  will  long  stand,  as  a  worthy  monument  to  their  and  their 
predecessors'  zeal.  They  have  in  innumerable  ways  contributed 
their  measure  to  the  success  of  the  Missouri  Germans. 

When  it  had  become  unmistakably  clear  that  the  times,  con 
ditions  and  surroundings  absolutely  compelled  an  abandonment 
of  original  intentions  and  hopes  the  town  found  itself  in  posses 
sion  of  thousands  of  acres  of  land,  for  which  it  had  no  practical 
use,  and  which  on  the  other  hand  was  a  severe  burden  and  a 
handicap  to  its  progress.  It  was  accordingly  decided  to  dispose 
of  the  land  at  public  sale.  "That  the  lands  of  the  German  Settle 
ment  Society  be  sold  to  the  highest  bidder,  in  40  acre  tracts,  on  a 
credit  of  two,  four,  and  six  years,  by  giving  notes  with  approved 
security  and  mortgage  on  the  purchased  land  or  other  real  estate, 
6  per  cent,  interest,  until  maturity,  10  per  cent,  interest,  after 
maturity."  So  read  the  trustee's  minutes  of  April  28,  '43.  The 
minimum  price  per  acre  was  set  at  $2.25.  The  announcement  of 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  123 

the  sale  was  made  public  through  the  St.  Louis  papers.  Evi 
dently  not  all  land  was  disposed  of  at  that  time,  for  one  year 
later  the  minimum  price  per  acre  was  reduced  to  $1.25,  which 
was  the  exact  cost  price.  Apparently  a  speedy  disposal  of  the 
land  was  desired. 

In  February  of  '43  a  grievous  misstep  was  made  by  the  cus 
todians  of  the  old  society  lands  when  it  was  voted  "that  holders 
of  certificates  (Actien  Scheine)  of  the  German  Settlement  So 
ciety  shall  in  future  not  be  entitled  to  return  the  same  as  payment 
for  land,  but  that  said  certificates  shall  entitle  the  owner  only  to  a 
Town  lot  for  each,  expressed  thereon."  This  showed  a  serious 
breach  of  trust  and  rudely  overrode  the  old  constitution,  faith  in 
which  had  really  induced  the  purchaser  to  enter  the  body  at  all. 
It  was  also  an  open  disregard  of  the  promises  made  at  the  time 
of  the  transfer.  What  magnifies  the  wrong  is  that  it  remained 
unrectified  until  December  of  '45,  when  a  more  equitable  board 
decreed:  'That  shares  of  the  German  Settlement  Society,  or 
sufficient  vouchers  for  the  payment  of  such,  shall  again  be  re 
ceived  at  the  rate  of  $50.00  a  piece,  at  all  payments  for  lots  and 
lands  belonging  to  this  town,  the  land  to  be  rated  at  $2.25  per 
acre  and  the  resolution  No.  I,  passed  on  the  8th  of  February, 
1843,  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  repealed." 

Ten  years  had  passed  and  yet  Hermann  had  not  cleared  up 
all  the  affairs  of  the  old  society.  To  bring  the  whole  matter  to 
an  end  it  was  resolved  on  May  6th,  1848:  "That  all  shareholders 
of  the  German  Settlement  Society  in  Hermann,  State  of  Mis- 
souri,are  hereby  requested  to  exhibit  their  claims,  thereby  granted 
to  them,  before  the  first  day  of  May,  A.  D.  1849,  otherwise  they 
may  be  precluded  from  any  benefit  thereof.  That  the  foregoing 
paragraph  be  published  three  times  in  seven  of  the  most  popular 
German  newspapers  printed  in  the  different  States  of  the  Union." 

As  a  matter  of  fact  the  land  question  gave  the  town  serious 
concern  for  many  years,  even  after  this  announcement.  Hermann 
indeed  still  has  some  land  whose  owners  never  saw  their  posses 
sions.  Other  portions  have  been  sold  for  taxes. 


124  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

When  the  Hermann  settlement  was  made,  the  County  of  Gas 
conade  was  but  sparsely  settled.  The  county  seat  had  for  short 
periods  existed  at  three  different  hamlets — Bartonville,  Gascon 
ade  City,  and  Mount  Sterling.  When  the  settlement  society  chose 
Hermann  as  its  site,  population  became  massed  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  county.  It  is  usually  the  custom  to  have  the  county 
seat  located  near  the  centre  of  the  county.  If,  however,  the  cen 
tre  of  population  is  somewhere  else  the  site  for  the  public  build 
ings  goes  to  that  centre.  So  it  happens  that  Hermann  though  on 
the  extreme  northern  border  of  the  county  now  has  the  court 
house.  As  early  as  1841  the  settlement  realized  the  advantages 
of  having  the  county  seat  in  their  midst.  They  proposed  to  erect 
a  brick  courthouse  instead  of  an  old  log  hut  20  feet  by  24  feet  cost 
ing  $303,  as  Mount  Sterling  then  had.  They  also  offered  Mount 
Sterling,  then  an  insignificant  hamlet,  certain  material  returns  to 
permit  the  change.  In  1842  the  change  was  effected  and  Hermann 
began  the  erection  of  a  new  public  building.  This  old  building 
answered  all  the  purposes  of  the  county  until  a  few  years  ago, 
when  it  was  supplanted  by  a  magnificent  structure,  modernly 
equipped.  It  is  the  magnanimous  gift  to  the  county  by  one  per 
son,  the  late  C.  D.  Eitzen.  We  believe  it  would  be  difficult  to  find 
another  instance  of  such  altruism  in  the  state.  This  public  bene 
factor  came  as  a  young  man  to  Hermann  when  it  was  still  in  its 
pioneer  days.  From  the  humble  position  of  a  penniless  clerk  in 
a  store,  he  arose  through  individual  effort,  strictly  adhering  to 
the  principles  of  equity  and  justice,  until  he  became  the  wealthi 
est  man  of  the  county.  Despite  his  wealth  he  ever  remained  hum 
ble.  His  voice  was  heard  in  every  deliberation  for  the  good  of 
his  town  and  county,  and  his  counsel  was  ever  just.  He  had  the 
honor  of  serving  in  two  constitutional  conventions  in  his  state. 
He  was  ever  a  blessing  to  his  contemporaries  and  his  munificent 
gifts  to  the  town  school,  the  churches,  the  town,  the  lodge  of 
Free  Masons,  the  county  and  various  other  organizations  make 
all  men  of  Hermann  and  Gasconade  County  his  lasting  debtors. 
In  these  gifts  he  has  erected  for  himself  a  memorial  that  will  out- 


And  its  Colony ,  Hermann,  Missouri.  125 

live  bronze  and  marble.  He  was  the  largest  hearted  German 
the  little  town  has  ever  had.  In  the  splendid  little  park,  the  trees 
of  which  he  planted  himself,  which  his  generosity  prompted  him 
to  bequeath  to  the  comfort  of  his  town,  in  this  park  his  grateful 
beneficiaries  have  erected  as  a  memorial,  his  bust  in  heroic  size. 
On  the  supporting  base  there  are  inscribed  the  brief  but  fitting 
words :  "A  tribute  to  the  memory  of  Charles  D.  Eitzen  whose 
life  was  a  record  of  Generous  Deeds  and  Public  Usefulness." 

Politically  most  of  the  voters  at  Hermann  are  of  Republican 
persuasion.  During  the  Civil  War  they  were  avowed  Unionists 
and  furnished  their  share  of  soldiers.  Some  were  detailed  to  do 
guard  duty  in  the  state  while  many  others  joined  the  troops  that 
fought  on  southern  battlefields. 

A  very  amusing  incident  occurred  at  Hermann  towards  the 
close  of  the  war.  That  loose  conglomerate  of  men,  25,000  in 
number,  known  popularly  as  Price's  army,  who  sided  with  the 
south,  traversed  Missouri  from  the  Arkansas  border  to  the  Mis 
souri  river  and  on  their  way  hit  upon  Hermann.  This  was  in 
October  of  1864.  Most  of  the  able-bodied  men  of  the  town  were 
enlisted  in  the  service  of  the  nation.  Only  a  few  old  men  and  the 
women  and  children  remained.  When  the  reckless  cohort  ap 
proached,  a  half  dozen  of  the  old  resolute  men  who  had  seen  serv 
ice  in  the  German  army,  could  not  resist  the  temptation  to  play  a 
trick  on  the  invaders  despite  the  probable  consequences.  They 
took  a  small  cannon  which  the  town  owned,  mounted  it  on  one  of 
the  many  hills  that  overlook  the  town  and  when  the  vanguard  of 
Price's  army  appeared  in  sight,  they  discharged  a  well  directed 
shot  at  them  and  then  beat  a  hasty  retreat,  tugging  their  cannon 
with  them.  The  troops  halted  and  opened  fire  on  the  unseen  foe. 
After  a  short  time  the  attack  came  from  a  second  hill  and  soon 
from  a  third  one.  The  troops  were  unmistakably  bewildered. 
They  believed  that  unexpectedly  a  strong  enemy  had  been  en 
countered.  Detachments  of  troops  were  detailed  to  reconnoiter, 
They  ascended  the  three  hills  successively  and  on  the  last  hill 
found  the  old  cannon,  alone,  and  spiked.  Angered  at  this  prank 


126          The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

the  old  cannon  was  rolled  down  the  bluff  and  into  the  muddy 
Missouri.  In  later  years  the  citizens  extracted  it  from  the  river 
bed  and  it  is  now  mounted  in  front  of  the  court  house  at  Her 
mann.  The  troops  seeing  that  they  had  only  been  played  with, 
passed  on  without  molesting  the  town.  The  Germans  had  given 
the  impression  that  several  cannon  were  concealed  among  the 
trees,  by  transporting  their  gun  rapidly  from  one  hill  to  another.* 
But  where  did  the  town  get  the  cannon  ?  Goebel  explains  it 
thus: 

,,Vor  langen  Jahren  hatte  sich  in  Hermann  eine  freiwillige 
Schiitzen-Compagnie  organisirt  und  ihre  Dienste  fur  den  Fall  der 
Noth  dem  Staat  zur  Verfiigung  gestellt,  als  Anerkennung  dafiir 
oder  zur  Uebung  hatten  sie  einen  Sechspfiinder  mit  einiger  Munition 
zum  Geschenk  erhalten."** 

This  old  cannon  has  added  much  to  many  a  celebration  at 
Hermann.  Many  a  festive  occasion  has  it  announced,  many  a 
political  and  other  victory.  When  in  1886  the  town  so  beauti 
fully  celebrated  its  fiftieth  anniversary,  it  was  intended  that  the 
old  cannon  should  boom  once  for  every  year  of  the  town's  exist 
ence. 

For  forty  some  rounds  all  went  well  when  an  extra  heavy 
charge  tore  a  great  section  out  of  its  side  and  so  put  the  old 
weapon  out  of  commission. 

The  celebration  of  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  Hermann, 
above  alluded  to,  was  a  great  event  for  the  little  town.  The  exer 
cises  extending  over  three  days  and  judging  from  accounts  that 
have  come  down  to  us,  it  must  have  been  a  memorable  occasion. 
In  July,  1886,  this  invitation  was  sent  to  various  German  com 
munities  far  and  near. 

• 

,,Den  friiheren  Einwohnern  Hermann's,  unsern  Nachbarn,  und 
alien  Freunden  deutschen  Geistes  und  deutscher  Gesittung  senden 
wir  unsern  Gruss  und  laden  sie  zur  Theilnahme  an  der  Feier  des 
5ojahrigen  'Jubilaums  unseres  Stadtchens  freundlichst  ein. 

Die  Burger  Hermann's." 


*  Goebel,  "Longer  als  ein  Menschenleben  in  Missouri,"  p.  213. 
**Ibid,  p.  214. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  127 

The  program  for  the  occasion  was  as  follows : 

,,Freitag,  den  27sten  August,  Salut  von  50  Kanonenschiissen. 

Samstag,  den  28sten  August,  Abends  halb  acht  Uhr,  Illumina 
tion  der  Stadt;  Fackelzug.  Die  Aufstellung  erfolgt  am  Spritzen- 
haus. 

Marschall,  Hugo  Kropp. 

Nach  dem  Fackelzuge,  Commers  in  der  Conzert-Halle. 

Ansprache  von  Gustav  Ettmuller. 

Sonntag,  den  29sten  August,  Morgens  8  Uhr,  Festzug.  Die 
Aufstellung  erfolgt  vor  der  Conzert-Halle. 

Marschall,  Wm.  Herzog.  Nach  der  Ankunft  auf  dem  Fair- 
platze,  Begriissung  der  Theilnehmer  durch  Hon.  Rudolph  Hirzel, 
von  Washington,  Mo.  Nachmittags  3  Uhr,  Festrede,  gehalten  von 
Dr.  Hugo  Starkloff,  von  St.  Louis,  Mo.  Hierauf  Vortrage  des  Ge- 
sangvereins  ,,Harmonie",  Conzert  der  Hermann  ,,Apostel  Band" 
und  des  Musikcorps  von  Rheinland,  Mo." 

For  this  occasion  the  railroad  company  offered  reduced  rates 
and  the  steam  boats  made  extra  trips. 

To  the  credit  of  the  people  of  Hermann  let  it  redound  that 
most  of  them  are  proud  of  their  German  descent.  They  cling  to 
their  language  tenaciously  and  lovingly,  as  will  be  verified  by  the 
Chapter  on  Education.  On  the  streets  and  in  the  business  houses 
German  is  quite  generally  spoken.  This  is  not  to  imply  that  these 
people  are  ignorant  of  the  language  of  their  country.  By  no 
means.  Only  a  limited  number  of  very  old  people  fail  to  respond 
in  English  when  so  addressed.  This,  however,  should  be  said 
that  with  but  few  exceptions  all  of  them  have  a  striking  peculiar 
ity  of  accent  and  intonation.  This  peculiarity  of  speech  can 
hardly  be  disposed  of  by  stating  that  it  is  the  common  German- 
English.  It  is  not  the  consonants  that  trouble  these  people.  It 
is  not  so  much  the  length  of  the  vowels  either  but  their  quality, 
and  then  a  most  striking  intonation.  We  believe  some  interest 
ing  problems  for  a  dialectician  and  phonetician  could  be  found 
here. 

The  few  English  speaking  persons  of  Hermann  have  almost 
without  exception  acquired  some  knowledge  of  the  German. 
While  some  of  them  cannot  speak  it  well,  all  of  them  are  prac 
tically,  for  business  purposes,  compelled  to  understand  it  when 


128  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

spoken.  Their  children  take  the  German  course  in  the  schools 
without  modification.  Interestingly  enough,  the  few  negroes  in 
the  town  are  masters  of  a  beautiful  Hermann  German.  A  Ger 
man-speaking  negro  is  indeed  an  exception  in  Missouri. 

,  Most  of  the  Germans  of  Hermann  are  descended  from  south 
or  midland  German  stock,  and  naturally  employ  the  dialect  preva 
lent  in  those  sections.  Near  Hermann  is  found  quite  a  large  col 
ony  of  Swiss  people. 

2.  EDUCATION. 

The  people  of  Hermann  have  ever  been  adherers  to  the  mot 
to  "juventus  spes  mundi."  Many  of  the  early  settlers  were  well 
educated  men  and  quite  naturally  emphasized  the  absolute  need 
of  educating  the  young.  In  the  nature  of  things  they  were  seri 
ously  hampered  by  existing  primitive  conditions.  Nevertheless 
from  a  humble  beginning  a  laudable  institution  has  arisen.  In 
the  face  of  almost  insurmountable  difficulties  a  school  has  devel 
oped  which,  from  its  incipiency  to  the  present  day,  has  stood  and 
stands  unique  among  the  schools  of  Missouri.  So  far  as  it  car 
ries  out  the  wish  of  the  founders  of  the  colony,  in  keeping  alive 
their  native  tongue,  it  may  indeed  be  called  exemplary.  An  ex 
amination  of  the  course  of  study  of  the  Hermann  Public  School 
reveals  the  fact  that  German  is  being  taught  in  every  grade  from 
that  of  the  wee  dimpled  little  ones,  to  the  most  advanced  grade  of 
the  high  school.  This  fact  is  known  only  locally  even  in  Mis 
souri.  The  reason  perhaps  lies  in  the  fact  that,  barring  one  in 
dustry,  the  town  is  unimportant  commercially.  It  is  indeed  re 
markable  how  firmly  the  Hermannites  have  clung  to  their  desire 
to  perpetuate  their  language.  And  that  too  despite  the  external 
non-German  influence  and  the  sporadic  deserters  from  the  ways 
of  the  fathers  within  their  own  midst.  That  the  system  does  not 
work  hardship  or  become  a  hindrance  to  the  young  men  so  edu 
cated,  is  attested  by  the  great  number  of  highly  successful  busi 
ness  men  that  have  gone  to  St.  Louis,  as  well  as  those  who  do  a 
flourishing  business  at  home.  On  the  contrary  it  works  towards 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  129 

the  betterment  of  its  subjects  equipping  them  with  two  most  pow 
erful  tools  for  business  purposes.  As  far  as  stimulating  its  stud 
ents  to  advanced  work  it  is  a  success  also.  Hermann  has  always 
had  its  quota  of  students  at  the  Missouri  University  and  other 
institutions  of  advanced  learning. 

To  understand  this  system  thoroughly  we  must  study  it  from 
its  beginning.  In  those  early  years  the  foundation  was  laid  upon 
which  the  superstructure  of  to-day  rests.  We  follow  it,  there 
fore,  from  its  first  beginnings. 

During  the  summer  of  1838  the  colonists  were  too  much  oc 
cupied  with  the  clearing  of  forests,  building  of  houses  and  laying 
out  of  roads  to  even  consider  the  intellectual  welfare  of  their  chil 
dren.  With  the  following  summer  came  a  little  more  ease  and 
the  education  of  the  youth  was  earnestly  considered.  In  the 
spring  of  1839  a  room  was  rented  of  one  Oelschlaeger  and  rudely 
equipped  for  school  purposes,  Mr.  Bayer  administering  instruc- 
tion  when  his  other  numerous  duties  permitted  him  to  do  so.  On 
the  second  day  of  July  it  was  decided  that  a  school  house  should 
be  erected.  Mr.  Krauter  agreed  to  build  it  for  the  consideration 
of  $680. 

The  Philadelphia  society  assisted  the  colony  in  this  important 
work.  In  the  autumn  of  this  same  year  the  building  seems  to  have 
been  ready  for  occupancy.  We  conclude  this  from  the  minutes 
of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  town — which  body,  among  a 
multitude  of  other  executive  duties,  also  had  charge  of  school 
matters.  The  item  under  consideration  appears  under  the  date  of 
August  7th,  1839.  (In  quoting  from  the  town  record,  we  are 
compelled  to  resort  to  the  English  version,  the  German  copy  being 
misplaced,  stolen,  or  destroyed.  The  language  of  these  records 
is  not  always  faultless.  We  make  no  apologies,  however,  for 
using  it,  since  an  un- Americanized  people  wrote  them.  Their  idio 
syncrasies  and  errors  will  prove  interesting  in  themselves,  and 
may  even  be  valuable.)  At  the  meeting  under  the  date  above 
quoted,  the  serious  problem  of  engaging  a  teacher  confronted  the 
trustees.  The  primitive  mode  of  procedure  is  a  pertinent  relic  of 


130  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

the  pioneer  days  of  a  frontier  State.  And  yet  it  was,  under  the 
circumstances,  the  best  and  most  expeditious  method  at  hand. 
That  trans-Mississippi  country  had  at  that  time  not  yet  developed 
the  closely  knit  educational  system  it  now  'boasts  of.  The  min 
utes  read  thus :  "That  a  committee  to  consist  of  Wm.  Pommer, 
J.  Leupold,  D.  Widersprecher,  is  hereby  requested  to  examine 
Mr.  F.  A.  Hemme  in  regard  to  his  knowledge  of  the  German  as 
well  as  the  English  languages."  A  lively  examination  these  busi 
ness  men  may  have  subjected  this  pedagogue  to.  They  must  have 
been  satisfied  with  the  proficiency  shown,  for  upon  their  recom 
mendation  the  colonists  voted  in  favor  of  the  candidate.  Five 
days  later  this  record  was  inserted : 

'That  Mr.  Hemme  is  hereby  appointed  as  teacher  of  the 
town  school  under  the  following  conditions : 

That  he  obey  the  instructions  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Town. 

That  his  salary  for  the  present  shall  not  be  less  than  $300  per 
annum. 

That  he  shall  attend  school  for  the  first  year  from  9  to  12 
o'clock  A.  'M.  and  from  2  to  4  o'clock  P.  M.  in  winter;  and  from 
6  to  10  o'clock  A.  M.  and  from  2  to  4  o'clock  P.  M.  in  summer. 
Wednesday  and  Saturday  afternoon  no  school  to  be  held. 

That  we  give  instruction  in  Reading  and  Writing  the  Ger 
man  and  English  languages,  Grammatic,  Arithmetic,  History,  Ge 
ography  and  Drawing. 

That  school  commence  on  the  26th  of  August,  1839." 

Under  what  trying  conditions  this  poor  pedagogue  entered 
upon  his  labors  can  be  more  easily  imagined  than  described. 
School  opened  without  any  provision  having  been  made  for 
school-supplies.  Two  days  after  the  date  set  for  the  opening,  the 
Board  resolved : 

"That  the  necessary  school  books  be  furnished  by  the  Town 
and  sold  to  the  parents  of  the  children  at  cost  price.  There  shall 
be  bought  100  copies  of  Wilmsen's  "Kinderfreund,"  50  copies  of 
Webster's  "Spelling  Books,"  $10.00  worth  of  common  writing 
paper,  quills,  ink  and  inkstands.  Mr.  J.  Leupold  is  to  undertake 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  131 

the  purchase  of  the  "Kinderfrenud,"  and  the  other  articles  to  be 
provided  by  Mr.  F.  A.  Hemme."  No  mention  is  made  of  aids 
for  the  study  of  History,  Geography,  Drawing  and  Arithmetic 
until  years  after  this  date.  Presumably  the  instructor  was  to  fur 
nish  this  information  from  the  stock  of  his  knowledge. 

Despite  all  these  difficulties  and  hindrances,  the  interest  in  the 
school  was  very  much  alive.  The  Trustees  voted  upon  themselves 
the  task:  "That  every  week  two  of  the  Trustees  together  shall 
visit  the  School  of  the  Town  to  ascertain  the  progress  of  the  chil 
dren  and  to  further  the  same."  Of  course  it  was  not  an  easy  mat 
ter  to  find  competent  teachers  at  the  price  that  was  offered  and 
with  the  requirements  that  the  instruction  should  be  in  two  lan 
guages.  So  we  are  not  surprised  to  learn  that  Mr.  Hemme  did 
not  remain  in  the  graces  of  his  patrons  indefinitely.  Every  one 
having  a  voice  in  the  man's  election  and  retention,  it  was  difficult 
to  please  all,  for  we  all  know  the  truth  of  "Viele  Kopfe,  viele 
Sinne."  It  was  then  decided :  "That  a  teacher  be  sought  for  the 
school  of  the  town  who  has  been  educated  in  Germany  for  the 
business  of  teaching,  and  who  understands  the  English  language 
thoroughly."  The  nature  of  things  caused  a  centralization  of 
power.  The  Board  of  Trustees  assumed  more  absolute  control. 
To  oppose  hindering  forces  to  mar  the  progress  of  the  school  they 
decided:  "That  (the  teacher)  continue  in  the  mode  of  teaching 
adopted  by  him,  pay  no  regard  to  individuals,  and  that  in  case  of 
disobedience  of  his  scholars  he  have  to  give  notice  to  the  Trustees 
thereof." 

The  manner  of  paying  for  services  rendered  the  town  was 
novel.  Money  was  scarce  in  those  days.  Land"  was  plentiful 
since  the  transfer  of  power  to  Hermann,  so  many  payments  were 
made  in  land  grants.  In  the  "Tagelohner  Buch"  at  Hermann 
we  find  these  entries : 

,,Carl  Baer,  fur  die  Lotte  No.  6  Ost  zweite  Strasse  —  $50.00 
bezahlt  durch  Verfertigung  eines  flatboats  --  $50.00.  Somit  die 
Lotte  frey  und  sein  Eigenthum."  And  another:  ,,F.  Miihlenbach 
fiir  die  Lotte  No.  7  Ost  dritte  Strasse  $50.00.  Derselbe  hat  zu  gut 
fiir  Arbeit  $60.50,  daran  baar  empfangen  $10.50.  Somit  die  Lotte 
frey  und  sein  Eigenthum." 


132  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Even  the  village  schoolmaster  did  not  escape  this  method. 
The  record  of  August  23,  1847,  states  that  the  teachers  salary  is 
$300.00,  $150.00,  to  be  paid  in  cash,  $100.00  in  notes  "due  on  the 
Treasurer"  and  $50.00  in  an  order  on  lot  and  land. 

On  the  3ist  of  March,  1841,  a  custom  was  inaugurated 
which  has  prevailed,  in  a  modified  form,  until  this  day.  On  this 
day  it  was  decided :  "That  the  Secretary  be  directed  to  invite 
Messrs.  Jno.  C.  Haufler,  W.  Franke,  Francis  Kuhne  and  Daniel 
Trautwein  to  be  examined  in  the  school  of  this  town  in  the  third 
week  of  April,  Mr.  W.  Franke  on  the  igth,  Mr.  Fr.  Kuhne  on  the 
2Oth,  Mr.  D.  Trautwein  on  the  2ist." 

This  examination  was  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  these 
gentlemen's  knowledge  of  the  common  branches  of  learning  and 
their  method  of  instructing.  We  stated  that  this  custom  still  pre 
vails.  The  knowledge  of  the  English  and  German  languages 
being  required,  such  a  test  is  next  to  imperative.  Every  candi 
date  is  subjected  to  the  test.  Be  his  credentials  and  recommenda 
tions  ever  so  good,  he  must  undergo  an  examination  as  to  his 
knowledge  of  the  branches  taught.  This  examination  is  admin 
istered  by  the  superintendent  of  the  school  in  the  presence  of  the 
board  of  directors.  A  class  of  school  children  is  present,  and  with 
them  the  candidate  demonstrates  his  methods  of  developing-  and 
presenting  certain  phases  of  work  called  for  by  his  examiner. 
This  is  a  unique  but  highly  successful  method  of  procedure.  It 
might  be  stated  here  that  the  Hermann  school  board  is  unlike  any 
other  similar  body  in  the  state,  known  to  us.  It  consists  of  eleven 
members.  Six  of  them  are  chosen  in  conformity  with  the  School 
Law  of  Missouri,  and  five  of  them  have  for  their  specific  task  the 
supervision  of  the  German  instruction. 

For  three  years  all  affairs  of  the  Hermann  school  had  been 
instigated  and  supported  by  the  Germans  of  the  colony.  Quite 
naturally  the  German  side  of  the  instruction  was  especially  em 
phasized.  In  the  spring  of  1842  the  school  district  of  Hermann 
was  defined.  This  gave  the  colonists  certain  rights,  as  it  also  im 
posed  certain  obligations.  Under  this  new  regime  all  the  residents 


And  its  Colony }  Hermann }  Missouri.  133 

within  the  limits  of  the  village  were  entitled  to  benefits  from  the 
school.  Taxes  must  defray  the  expenses.  School  houses  must 
be  built  by  all  the  people's  money.  Since  the  majority  of  the  pat 
rons  were  Germans,  no  difficulty  was  experienced  in  maintaining 
control.  A  new  school  house  was  erected  and  was  known  as  the 
district  school.  For  many  years  the  two  schools  existed  side  by 
side. 

It  became  quite  apparent  to  the  men  at  Hermann  that  for  the 
German  school  to  exist,  it  would  be  compelled  to  look  to  its  own 
resources,  as  no  support  could  be  expected  from  the  hands  of  the 
state.  Through  the  generosity  of  J.  H.  Koch  a  beginning  had 
been  made  towards  the  establishment  of  a  German  school  fund. 
In  December,  1839,  he  issued  this  grant : 

,,Geschenk  fur  die  deutsche  Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft. 
Ich,  Johann  Heinrich  Koch,  aus  Hamfeldt,  Amt  Alten  Bruch- 
hausen,  Konigreich  Hannover,  erklare  hierdurch  fur  mich  und 
meine  Erben,  dass  ich  eine  Actie  obiger  Gesellschaft,  Share  Book, 
No.  932,  Running  No.  576,  ausgestellt  in  Philadelphia,  den  18.  Sep 
tember  1839  der  Stadt  Hermann  im  Staate  Missouri  sum  Besten 
einer  deutschen  Schule  geschenkt  habe  und  ermachtige  durch  diese 
meine  offentliche  Anzeige  die  Trustees  der  Stadt  Hermann,  denen 
ich  nachstens  den  Actienschein  schicken  werde,  nach  diesem  meinen 
Willen  zum  wahren  Wohle  der  deutschen  Jugend  zu  verfahren  und 
die  Einkunfte  des  zu  wahlenden  Bauplatzes  oder  Landes  zum  Besten 
einer  deutschen  Schule  in  Hermann  anzuwenden,  wie  sie  es  fur  eine 
gute  und  gediegene  Bildung  der  dortigen  Jugend  am  zweckmassig- 
sten  halten. 

Philadelphia,  den  19.  December  1839.* 

Johann  Heinrich  Koch." 
J.  G.  Wesselhoeft, 
A.  J.  Stockfleth, 
Zeugen. 

This  donation  became  the  nucleus  around  which  accumu 
lated  a  permanent  fund.  The  leaders  at  Hermann  were  far- 
sighted  men.  They  realized  the  possibilities  of  the  wealth  that 
was  intrusted  into  their  keeping  after  the  relinquishment  of  con- 


*  A.  und  N.  W.  of  December  21,  1839. 


134  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

trol  by  the  Philadelphians.  They  appreciated  the  opportunity 
that  through  the  sale  of  certain  tracts  of  land  a  handsome  fund 
would  accrue,  the  income  of  which  would  insure  a  school  revenue 
for  all  future  time.  In  doing  this,  they  would  conform  to  the 
idealistic  plans  of  the  founders  of  the  society.  When  the  Her 
mann  School  District  was  organized  the  citizens  appreciating  the 
vast  good  that  would  arise  from  it,  and  also  realizing  that  only  a 
few  non-German  residents  would  profit  by  it,  they  voted,  on  the 
8th  of  August,  1842,  to  grant  a  portion  of  land  to  this  purpose: 
"That  the  following  lands,  belonging  to>  the  German  Settlement 
Society,  now  the  inhabitants  of  Hermann,  shall  be  deeded  over  as 
"A  Donation"  to  the  Hermann  School  District,  in  fee  simple." 
Then  follows  the  stipulation  of  the  land  so  donated,  amounting 
to  1,170.63  acres.  On  the  6th  of  June,  1847,  another  grant  was 
made  for  the  support  of  education :  "That  the  reserve  lands  of 
the  Town  be  layed  off  in  Town-blocks  in  conformity  with  the  plot 
of  the  Town  and  thereupon  so  many  of  said  blocks  shall  be  sold 
at  public  auction  until  a  sufficient  sum  is  realized  to  establish  an 
independent  Town-school  fund."  It  appears  that  on  March  10, 
1849,  there  existed  a  German  school  fund  of  $5,000.00.  On  the 
5th  of  June,  1855,  another  step  was  taken  to  increase  the  funds 
for  educational  purposes,  and  that  in  the  adoption  of  this  resolu 
tion:  "That  a  public  sale  of  300  or  400  Town  lots  and  of  the 
Island  in  (the)  Missouri  River,  belonging  to  the  Town  of  Her 
mann,  be  held  on  the  first  Monday  of  September,  1855,  for  the 
amelioration  of  the  town  school  of  Hermann,  and  this  be  pub 
lished  in  the  German  newspapers."  This  fund  has  been  con 
tributed  to  by  benevolent,  big  hearted  citizens,  until  to-day  it 
amounts  to  more  than  $10,000.00.  It  is  securely  invested  in  real 
estate  and  high  interest  bearing  bonds.  Its  income  goes  towards 
defraying  the  expenses  of  the  German  School.  The  District 
School  also  has  an  endowment  of  several  thousand  dollars.  Since 
the  two  schools  are  curiously  welded  into  one,  as  the  population  is 
almost  wholly  German,  the  distinction  exists  practically  only  in 
trie  name.  Previous  to  1871  two  buildings  were  used  for  educa- 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  135 

tional  purposes,  as  has  been  pointed  out.  At  that  time,  however, 
a  more  commodious  building  became  a  necessity.  Since  then  this 
unique  school  is  conducted  under  one  roof,  each  teacher  instruct 
ing  in  both  the  German  and  the  English  languages. 

To  conduct  a  school  thus  uniqely,  it  reqires  more  than  the 
will  of  the  people  concerned.  The  school  laws  provide  for  and 
sanction  instruction  in  the  English  language  only,  in  the  lower 
grades.  It  required  a  legislative  act  to  overstep  these  bounds. 
This  privilege  was  granted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  Missouri 
in  1849.  It  reads  as  follows : 

"CHARTER  OF  THE  GERMAN  SCHOOL  AT  HERMANN/' 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Mis 
souri  as  follows : — 

SECTION  i.  A  school  for  males  and  females  is  hereby  estab 
lished  in  the  town  of  Hermann,  which  shall  be  known  by  the 
name  of  "The  German  School  of  Hermann." 

SEC.  2.  Friedrich  Hundhausen,  Julius  Leupold,  Joseph  Les- 
sel,  August  Wasser  and  H.  Burkhardt  are  hereby  appointed 
trustees  of  said  school,  and  they  and  their  successors  in  office 
are  hereby  created  and  constituted  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  to 
be  known  by  the  name  and  style  of  "The  Trustees  of  the  German 
School  of  Hermann,"  and  by  that  name  shall  have  perpetual  suc 
cession  in  office,  shall  have  a  common  seal,  may  change,  alter  and 
break  the  same  at  pleasure,  may  sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be  im- 
pleaded,  answer  and  be  answered  unto  in  all  Courts  of  this  State 
or  of  the  United  States. 

SEC.  3.  On  the  first  Monday  of  April  next  there  shall  be 
held  an  election  in  the  town  of  Hermann  for  the  election  of  five 
trustees  to  manage  the  affairs  of  said  school.  They  shall  hold 
their  office  for  one  year  and  until  their  successors  are  elected  and 
qualified;  on  the  same  day  every  year  an  election  for  trustees 
shall  be  held. 


136          The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

SEC.  4.  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Board,  which  shall  be 
held  one  week  after  the  election,  the  members  shall  elect  a  chair 
man,  who  shall  preside  at  all  their  meetings  during  the  term  for 
which  he  is  elected  trustee ;  but  in  case  of  his  absence,  a  chairman 
pro  tempore  shall  be  appointed.  The  Board  shall  hold  their 
stated  meetings,  but  may  be  convened  by  the  chairman  or  any 
quorum  whenever  occasion  may  require  it.  They  shall  keep  a 
journal  of  their  proceedings,  and  all  their  meetings  shall  be 
public. 

SEC.  5.  The  trustees  shall  have  power  to  receive  by  gift 
or  otherwise  and  hold  to  them  and  their  successors  forever  any 
land,  tenements,  moneys,  goods  or  chattels  of  what  kind  soever, 
which  may  be  purchased,  devised  or  given  to  them  for  said  school, 
and  to  lease,  rent,  put  out  on  interest  or  otherwise  dispose  of  the 
same  in  such  manner  as  shall  seem  most  conducive  to  the  advan 
tage  of  the  school ;  but  shall  never  have  power  to  sell,  mortgage 
or  in  any  way  encumber  with  debt  any  real  estate  belonging  to 
said  school. 

SEC.  6.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  have  power,  and  it  shall 
be  their  duty,  to  superintend  said  school,  to  appoint  one  or  more 
teachers,  treasurer,  and  such  other  officers  and  servants  as  may 
be  necessary,  to  remove  the  same  for  good  cause,  to  stipulate  their 
salary,  to  direct  and  determine  what  branches  of  education  shall 
be  taught  in  said  school,  and  to  make  such  by-laws,  rules  and  reg 
ulations  as  they  shall  deem  necessary  for  the  management  of  said 
school,  but  not  contrary  to  the  laws  of  this  State ;  and  they  shall 
never  permit  any  professional  religious  doctrines  to  be  taught  in 
said  school. 

SEC.  7.  The  trustees  and  the  treasurer  shall,  before  enter 
ing  upon  their  respective  duties,  take  an  oath  to  discharge  the 
duties  assigned  to  them  as  trustees  or  treasurer. 

SEC.  8.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  moneys,  etc.,  accruing 
to  said  school  and  pay  or  deliver  the  same  to  the  order  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees.  Before  he  shall  enter  upon  the  discharge  of 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  137 

his  duty  he  shall  give  bond  and  security  in  such  sum  as  the 
Board  of  Trustees  shall  direct,  payable  to  them  and  their  succes 
sors,  conditioned  for  the  faithful  performance  of  his  duties,  under 
such  rules  and  regulations  as  the  Board  may  adopt,  and  it  shall 
be  lawful  for  said  Board  to  obtain  judgment  for  the  amount! 
thereof,  or  for  any  special  delinquencies  incurred  by  him  under 
the  same,  "on  motion"  in  any  Court  of  record  in  this  State 
against  the  treasurer  and  his  securities,  his  or  their  executors  or 
administrators,  upon  giving  ten  days'  notice  of  such  motion. 

SEC.  9.  The  interest  of  a  capital  stock  of  five  thousand  dol 
lars  ($5000)  donated  by  the  inhabitants  of  Hermann  to  said 
school  shall  annually  be  appropriated  to  the  payment  of  a  teacher 
or  teachers  and  other  necessary  expenditures  in  the  management 
of  said  school;  but  the  principal  shall  forever  be  and  remain  in 
violate.  Should  said  interest  prove  insufficient  to  defray  the 
necessary  expenses  of  said  school,  then  the  trustees  shall  be 
empowered  to  make  up  the  deficiency  by  issuing  rate  bills,  as 
allowed  to  the  common  schools  in  this  State. 

SEC.  JO.  Every  free  white  householder  of  the  town  of  Her 
mann,  who  has  been  a  resident  of  said  town  for  at  least  twelve 
months  preceding  an  election,  shall  be  eligible  and  entitled  to  vote 
for  trustees  of  this  school,  and  all  elections  for  trustees  of  this 
school  shall  be  held  and  conducted  in  the  same  manner  as 
elections  for  trustees  at  the  town  of  Hermann,  at  least  as  near  as 
practical.  Should  any  election  fail,  the  chairman  of  its  Board  of 
Trustees,  or  any  quorum  thereof  (three)  shall  appoint  judges 
and  issue  orders  to  hold  an  election  without  delay.  Vacancies  in 
said  Board  shall  be  filled  by  special  election  ordered  as  above. 

SEC.  ii.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  call  at  least  one  meet 
ing  a  year  of  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Hermann,  lay 
before  them  the  situation  of  the  school,  and  there  shall  be  at  least 
one  public  examination  every  year. 

SEC.   12.  The  chairman  of  the  trustees  shall,  on  the  first 


138  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Monday  of  March  of  every  year,  publish  handbills,  or  in  a  Her 
mann  paper,  an  exhibit  of  its  affairs  and  conditions  of  said  school, 
stating  the  number  of  teachers  employed,  the  number  of  scholars 
that  have  been  attending  the  school  during  the  preceding  year, 
males  and  females ;  what  branches  of  education  have  been  taught 
what  languages,  etc. ;  what  money  received  and  expended. 

SEC.  13.  The  trustees  shall  receive  no  pay  for  any  ordinary 
services  rendered. 

SEC.  14.  This  school  shall  be  and  forever  remain  a  German 
school,  in  which  all  branches  of  science  and  education  shall  be 
taught  in  the  German  language. 

This  Act  to  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage.- 
Approved  March  10,  1849." 

Under  this  charter  the  school  prospered  until  1870  without 
any  revocation  or  amendment  being  made  to  the  writ.  At  that 
time,  however,  it  was  felt  that  a  more  spacious  and  better  equip 
ped  building  was  needed.  The  General  Assembly  had  introduced 
into  it  a  bill  providing  for  an  amendment  to  the  Act  of  Incorpor 
ation  of  the  German  School  at  Hermann,  which  bill  became  a 
law  on  Feb.  25th,  1870.*  The  amendment,  which  is  known  as 
Section  15  of  the  charter,  reads  thus : 

"The  trustees  of  the  German  School  at  Hermann  are  here 
by  authorized  to  lay  a  tax  on  all  taxable  property  in  the  town  of 
Hermann,  not  to  exceed  one-half  of  one  per  cent,  annually,  for 
the  purpose  of  erecting  a  school  house  in  Hermann  and  for  other 
school  purposes,  which  tax  shall  be  collected  by  the  officer  who 
collects  the  municipal  taxes  of  said  town,  and  be  governed  by  the 
laws  regulating  the  collection  of  the  municipal  taxes  of  Hermann, 
and  when  collected,  the  same  shall  be  paid  over  to  such  persons  as 
may  be  authorized  to  receive  the  same  by  trustees  of  said  school." 

It  soon  became  evident  that  this  process  of  securing  the 
necessary  money  would  require  too  long  a  time.  For  this  rea- 


*  Laws  of  Missouri,  1870,  p.  315. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  139 

son  an  act,  approved  March  17,  1871,  amended  this  amendment 
by  adding : 

"If  the  tax  of  one  per  cent,  be  inadequate  for  the  purposes 
herein  specified,  the  trustees  are  authorized  to  issue  bonds,  not  to 
exceed  the  amount  of  $8000,  said  bonds  to  be  of  one  hundred 
dollars  each,  bearing  8  per  cent,  annual  interest,  and  payable  at  the 
option  of  said  trustees,  within  ten  years  from  their  respective 
dates,  out  of  the  proceeds  of  said  tax  one-half  of  one  per  cent."* 

In  this  manner  the  German  School  has  been  placed  on  a 
solid  foundation,  and  its  future  is  securely  provided  for  until  the 
people  shall  desire  a  change. 

The  instruction  given  in  the  Hermann  School  is  first-class, 
and  quite  up  to  date,  as  we  can  testify  from  personal  observation. 
We  have  already  emphasized  the  fact  that  German  is  taught  in 
all  the  grades.  It  will  doubtless  be  interesting  to  know  what  is 
being  done  in  the  High  School.  Three  years  of  German  are  of 
fered  there,  as  Principal  F.  O.  Spohrer  writes  me.  We  quote  his 
course  of  study : 

"First  Year. — Grammar,  supplemented  by  the  reading  of 
Storm's  'Immensee,'  Volkmann's  'Kleine  Geschichten,'  Baum- 
bach's  'Waldnovellen,'  Schiller's  'Der  NefYe  als  Onkel,'  or  the 
equivalent. 

"Second  Year. — First  half  of  Harris'  Prose  Composition; 
the  reading  of  Arnold's  'Fritz  auf  Ferien,'  'Auf  der  Sonnen- 
seite,'  Wildenbruch's  'Das  edle  Blut,'  Chamissos'  Teter  Schle- 
mihl,'  or  an  equivalent  amount,  and  sight  translation. 

"Third  Year. — Second  half  of  Harris'  Prose  Composition, 
sight  translation  and  the  reading  of  Freytag's  'Die  Journalisten,' 
Schiller's  'Das  Lied  von  der  Glocke,'  'Wilhelm  Tell,'  'Die  Jung- 
frau  von  Orleans,'  'Maria  Stuart,'  Lessing's  'Minna  von  Barn- 
helm,'  or  an  equivalent  amount." 

The  term  of  school  always  extends  over  ten  months. 


*  Laws  of  Missouri,  1871,  p.  93. 


140  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

The  school  has  a  library  of  some  1300  volumes.  Of  this 
number  705  are  German  publications.  The  greater  part  of  this 
number  are  "Jugendschriften,"  to  the  number  of  463.  Other 
books  appear  classified  under  the  rubrics:  Geography,  Stories 
of  Travel,  Agriculture  and  Natural  Science,  Biography,  History, 
Philosophy,  and  Mythology.  Under  the  caption,  "Literatur, 
Poesie,  etc.,"  we  find  145  volumes.  Among  this  list  we  find  the 
following : 

Auerbach,  Berthold: 

,,Das  Landhaus  am  Rhein." 

,,Auf  der.Hohe." 

,,Schwarzwalder  Dorfgeschichten." 

Brown,  Chas.  Brockden: 

,,Edgar  Huntley,  oder  der  Nachtwandler"  (translator  not 
given). 

Chamisso,  A.  von,  complete  in  two  volumes. 

Carlyle,  Thomas: 

,,Ausgewahlte  Schriften"   (translated  by  A.  Kretzschmar 

1855). 

Daumer,  G.  Fr. : 

,,Hafis,  eine  Sammlung  persischer  Gedichte." 

,,Deutscher  Novellenschatz",  compiled  by  P.  Heyse  and  H.  Kurz. 

Freytag,  Gustav: 

,,Die  Ahnen." 

An  old  volume  bearing  the  title  ,,Erste  und  Merkwiirdige  Reisen 
eines  Europaers  —  Ludwig  Fontaine  etc.",  dated  1792. 

Gerstacker,  Fr. : 
,,Tahiti." 

Goethe's  works  complete  in  15  volumes  with  introduction  by  Karl 
Goedeke. 

Goethe  &  Schiller  Xenien  —  Aus  dem  Schillerschen  Musenalmanach 
fur  das  Jahr  1797,  with  introduction  by  A.  Stern. 


@tar&,  nacf)  laugem  £eiben,  ant  Srettag 
»benb  urn  10  Ufjr 

©tjvtftopljer  §tem* 

tm  filter  Don  77  Saljren. 

^)ie  SeerbigiutG  pnbet  ant  Sottntag  ^lacf)= 
mtttag  urn  3  Uljr  auf  Der  garm  ftatt,  unb  ftnb 
greuitbe  unb  Scfanntc  frennblidftft  eingelaben 
berfelBen  beisnmo^nen. 

3)ie  trauernben  ^inber 


Hermann,  9^ov  ben  9.  6ept.  1905. 


ODD   METHOD    OF   ANNOUNCING    FUNERALS    STILL 
PREVALENT    IN     HERMANN. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  141 

Hacklander,  F.  W. : 

,,Das  Soldatenleben  im  Frieden." 
,,Wachtstuben-Abenteuer." 
,,Humoristische  Erzahlungen." 
,,Bilder  aus  dem  Leben." 

Hartmann,  Moritz  —  ,,Novellen." 

Hauff,  Wilhelm : 

,,Gedichte." 

,,Novellen." 

,,Mittheilungen  aus  den  Memoiren  des  Satan." 

,,Othello." 

,,Der  Mann  im  Monde." 

,,Marchen  fur  Sohne  und  Tochter  gebildeter  Stande." 

,,Lichtenstein." 

Heine,  Heinrich: 

,,Reisebilder",  pub.  by  Schaefer  &  Koradi,  Philadelphia. 

Herder,  Joh.  Gottfr. : 

Werke  in  IV  volumes  compiled  by  H.  Kurz. 

Herbert,  Lucian : 

,,Das  Testament  Peter  des  Grossen." 

Heyse,  Paul : 

Vols.  Ill  and  IV  of  his  ,,Novellen." 

Korner,  Theodor: 

Complete  Works. 

Lessing : 

,,Minna  von  Barnhelm." 
,,Emilia  Galotti." 
,,Nathan  der  Weise." 

The  writings  of  the  next  twenty-one  authors  were  published 
in  Philadelphia  by  Moruntz  &  Co.,  in  a  series  named  "Heimath 
und  Fremde."  The  dates  are  not  to  be  found — apparently,  how 
ever,  they  date  from  the  middle  of  the  last  century. 

Armand : 

,,Die  alte  spanische  Urkunde." 

Betzold,  M. : 

,,Um  Ehre  und  Leben." 


142  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Brachvogel,  A.  E. : 

,,Der  Pels  von  Erz." 

Dedenroth,  E.  H.  von : 
,,Die  Baronin." 
,,Das  Gespenst." 

Fischer,  Wilhelm : 

,,Vier  Bluthen  und  eine  Frucht." 

Frenzel,  Karl : 

,,Herodias." 

Friedrich,  Friedrich: 

,,Nemesis." 

,,Zwei  Sohne." 

Gaborian,   Emil : 

,,Herr  Lecog." 

Gerstacker,  Friedrich: 

,,Die  Franctireurs." 
,,Im  Eckfenster." 

Guseck,  Bernd  von: 

,,Deutschlands  Ehre." 

Hahn,  B.  Edmund: 

,,Die  Sklaverei  der  Liebe/' 

Hiltl,  George: 

,,Die  Schlossdiebe." 

Miintzelberg,  Adolph : 

,,Zwei  heitere  Geschwister." 

Pierce,  Etta : 

,,Die  Tochter  des  Millionars",  translated  by  Alfred  Mii- 
renberg. 

Pitawall,  Ernst: 

,,Gabriel,  das  Weib  des  Spielers." 

Prosper,  Merrime: 
,,Colomba." 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  143 

Samarow,  Gregor: 

3,Kreuz  und  Schwert." 

,,Um  Scepter  und  Krone." 

,,Zwei  Kaiserkronen." 

,,Europaische  Mienen  und  Gegenmienen." 

,,Held  und  Kaiser/' 

Schmidt- Weisenfels : 

,,Die  Sohne  Barnevelts." 
Streckfuss,  Adolf: 

,?Der  tolle  Hans." 

,,Der  verlorene  Sohn." 

Wachenhusen,  Hans : 

,,Salon  und  Werkstatt." 
\Vinterfeld,  A.  von : 

,,Der  Elephant/' 

As  will  be  observed,  it  is  a  class  of  the  lesser  literary  lights. 
The  library  also  contains  the  following  books : 
Miigge,  Theodor: 

,,Die  Vendeerin." 

?,Der  Vogt  von  Sylt." 

,,Toussaint." 

,,Erich  Randal." 

,,Der  Prophet." 

,,Der  Cavalier/' 

,,Spang." 

,,Tanzerin  und  Grafin." 

,,Verloren  und  Gefunden/' 

Paul,  Jean : 

,,Siebenkas." 

,,Dr.  Katzenberg's  Bad-Reise." 

,,Flegeljahre." 

Reuter,  Fritz: 

,,Woans  ik  tau  'ne  Frau  kamm." 
wUt  de  Franzosentid." 
,,Ut  mine  Stromtid." 

Ruppius,  Otto.     Found  in  ,,Gesammelte  Erzahlungen  aus  dem 

Deutsch-Amerikanischen  Volksleben  " : 
,,Der  Pedlar/' 

,,Ein  Stuck  deutschen  Bauernlebens." 
,,Drei  Tage  aus  dem  Leben  eines  Schullehrers." 


144  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

,,Traumkonig  und  Schneider." 

,,Das  Vermachtniss  des  Pedlars." 

,,Das  Heimchen." 

,,Eine  Karriere  in  Amerika." 

,,Prairieteufel." 

,,Ein  Deutscher." 

,,Bill  Hammer." 

,,Eine  Speculation." 

,,Waldspinne/ 

,,Zwei  Welten." 

,,Drei  Vagabunden." 

,,Aus  dem  Schullehrerleben  im  Westen." 

,,Mary  Kreuzer." 

,,Auf  Regierungsland." 

,,Buschlerche." 

,,Vermisst." 

,,Unter  Freunden." 

,,Die  Nachbarn." 

,,Geld  und  Geist." 

,,Schlamm  und  fester  Boden." 

,,Priester  und  Bauer." 

,,Eine  Weberfamilie." 

Steiger,  E.    Compiler  of : 

,,Erstlingsbluthen  deutscher  Lyrik  in  Amerika." 

Schiller's  complete  works  edited  by  H.  Kurz. 

Scheffel's  ,,Ekkehardt." 

,,Der  Trompeter  von  Sakkingen." 

Tiek,  Ludwig: 

,,Vittoria   Accorombona." 

Witter,  C.    Compiler  of : 

,,Neuestes  Taschenliederbuch  fur  Deutsche  in  Amerika." 

Wieland's  ,,Ausgewahlte  Werke"  by  H.  Kurz. 

Zschokke,  Heinrich : 

,,Die  Rose  von  Disentis",  pub.  by  N.  R.  Cormany,  Main 
and  Walnut  Sts.,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  1846. 

The  following  publications  are  also  found  in  the  Hermann 
library : 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  145 

,,Die  Gegenwart"  for  1875. 

,,Globus-Zeitschrift  fur  Lander  und  Volkskunde"  for  1874. 

,,Gaea  -  -  Natur  und  Leben"  for  1875. 

,,Unsere  Zeit"  for  1874 — 5. 

,,Deutsche  Rundschau",  7  volumes. 

Among  the  Jungendschriften  are  found  a  number  of  books 
which  originally  belonged  to  the  library  at  Turnverein. 

In  closing  this  chapter  on  Education  at  Hermann,  it  should 
be  stated  that  the  Catholic  Church  supports  a  strong  paroch 
ial  school. 

3.     GOVERNMENT. 

In  dealing  with  the  question  of  the  government  of  Hermann, 
we  must  begin  with  transactions  that  took  place  during  the 
colony  days. 

It  will  be  recalled  that  the  problem  of  transfer  of  power 
hinged  largely  upon  the  assurance  of  the  incorporation  of  the 
town,  for  the  society  wisely  declined  to  submit  its  rights  and  re 
sponsibilities  to  anything  but  a  corporate  body,  accepted  and  rec 
ognized  by,  and  responsible  to  the  laws  of  the  State.  The  colonists, 
eager  to  share  certain  privileges  which  incorporated  towns  en 
joyed,  had  taken  cognizance  of  this  matter  as  early  as  the  spring 
of  1838,  or  from  the  very  incipiency  of  the  settlement.  On  the 
29th  of  October,  1 838,  a  petition  was  addressed  to  the  County 
Court  of  Gasconade  County,  which,  under  an  act  passed  March 
n,  1825,  possessed  the  power  to  incorporate  towns  in  its  juris 
diction.  This  petition  was  passed  upon  favorably  on  February 
4th,  1839.  The  limits  of  the  new  body  politic  were  the  follow 
ing  :  "Beginning  at  a  point  in  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of 
the  Missouri  River ;  the  west  boundary  line  beginning  north  at  the 
half-mile  open  line  in  Section  26,  and  running  south  5060  feet 
through  Sections  26  and  35 ;  the  east  boundary  line  beginning 
at  the  quarter-section  line  in  Section  25  and  running  south  5620 
feet  through  Sections  25  and  36;  the  south  boundary  line  begin 
ning  at  the  point  where  the  above-mentioned  5620  feet  cease  and 


146  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

running  west  until  it  strikes  the  west  boundary  line  at  the  end  of 
the  aforementioned  5060  feet,  Township  46  South  of  Missouri 
River,  north  of  the  base  line  range  No.  5  west  of  Fifth  Principal 
Meridian." 

The  executive  functions  of  this  corporation  were  vested  in 
five  trustees  elected  by  the  people  for  the  period  of  one  year.  In 
order  to  expedite  matters,  as  is  customary,  the  County  Court  ap 
pointed  a  temporary  Board  of  Trustees  to  serve  until  the  regular 
election  could  be  held.  This  appointed  Board  consisted  of  five 
men — Wilhelm  Senn,  Veit  Ludwig  Henrich,  Friederich  Lender, 
Dedlev  Widersprecher  and  Julius  Leupold.  The  choice  of  the 
people,  expressed  about  the  middle  of  May,  1839,  was  the  follow 
ing,  for  the  first  trustees :  Friedrich  Lehder,  Heinrich  Heckmann, 
Hermann  Bock,  Julius  Leupold,  Silvester  Doess. 

For  five  years  Hermann  existed  under  this  Act  of  Incor 
poration.  In  the  winter  of  1844-5  the  legislature  was  petitioned 
for  a  special  charter,  and  on  February  4th,  1845,  it  was  granted. 
Before  the  present  Constitution  of  Missouri  was  adopted,  that 
is  to  say,  prior  to  1875,  the  inhabitants  of  a  particular  settlement 
desiring  to  organize  into  a  town,  applied  to  the  legislature  for  a 
special  charter  of  incorporation,  which  defined  its  powers  and 
described  its  territorial  boundaries.*  Since  that  date  no  special 
charters  are  granted.  Cities  are  classified  according  to  their  pop 
ulation  into  first,  second,  third  and  fourth-class  cities.  The  old 
charters  could  not  be  revoked  except  by  a  surrender  of  the  same 
by  the  people  incorporated  under  them.  Most  of  the  towns  early 
voted  themselves  into  the  new  order  of  things.  Hermann,  in  its 
own  peculiar  way,  clung  to  the  old  regime  until  April  4,  1905, 
when  by  a  vote  of  196  to  98  the  people  decided  to  abandon  the 
old  and  come  under  the  new  rule.  On  the  i6th  of  May,  1905, 
an  election  was  held  to  choose  the  officers  which  the  new  regime 
calls  for  namely :  Mayor,  collector,  aldermen,  marshal,  etc.  August 

*  Cf.  Perry  S.  Rader,  "Civil  Government  and  Hist,  of  Missouri,  p.  115. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  147 

Wohlt  has  the  distinction  of  being  the  first  Mayor  of  Hermann, 
while  its  first  aldermen  are  Gaus,  Moebus,  Schuch  and  Bohlken. 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  trustees,  May  i8th,  1839,  there 
was  inaugurated  a  practice  which,  while  the  old  charter  was  in 
vogue,  was  faithfully  adhered  to,  namely,  "That  the  Journal  of 
the  Proceedings  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  shall  be  kept  both  in 
the  German  and  English  languages."  Whether  this  method  still 
prevails  since  the  change  of  1905,  we  are  not  prepared  to  say. 

The  charter  of  1845  defines  the  territorial  limits  more  ac 
curately,  and  also  shows  some  changes  in  the  boundary  as  re 
corded  in  the  first  Act  of  Incorporation.  "That  the  district  of 
country  known  by  the  name  of  the  town  of  Hermann,  shall  be 
and  continue  a  body  politic  and  corporate  lying  within  the  follow 
ing  limits,  to  wit. :  Beginning  at  a  point  in  the  middle  of  the  chan 
nel  of  the  Missouri  River,  due  north  from  the  quarter-section 
corner  between  Sections  twenty-six  (26)  and  thirty-five  (35), 
Township  forty-six  (46),  north,  range  five  (5),  west  of  the 
Fifth  Principal  Meridian;  then  running  due  south  to  the  north 
west  corner  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  the  northeast  quarter  of 
Section  thirty-five  (35),  Township  forty-six  north,  range  5, 
west  of  the  5th  Principal  Meridian ;  thence  due  east  forty  chains ; 
thence  due  south  twenty  chains;  thence  due  west  forty  chains; 
thence  due  south  twenty  chains;  thence  due  east  eighty  chains; 
thence  due  north  twenty  chains;  thence  due  east  twenty  chains; 
thence  due  north  to  the  middle  of  the  channel  of  the  Missouri 
River,  and  along  the  channel  back  to  the  beginning." 

The  sketch  for  the  accompanying  drawing  was  sent  to  us 
by  J.  C.  Danuser,  County  Surveyor  of  Gasconade  County.  Mr.  E. 
B.  Smith,  Instructor  of  Mechanical  Drawing  at  Drexel  Institute, 
Philadelphia,  had  the  kindness  to  make  the  drawing. 

In  comparing  the  charter  of  1845  with  the  Act  of  Incorpor 
ation  of  1839,  we  find  that  the  two,  barring  only  a  few  points,  are 
identically  the  same  in  language  and  substance.  Under  the  first 
act  only  the  five  trustees  were  elected  by  the  people.  The  other 


The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

officers :  assessor,  collector,  constables,  were  appointed  by  this 
Board.  The  new  writ  prescribed  that  they  be  also  elected  by  the 
people.  The  power  of  the  trustees  under  the  new  charter  was  ex 
tensive  and  their  duties  legion.  It  must  be  stated  here,  however, 
that  as  time  passed  and  new  demands  came,  these  powers  were 
vested  in  special  bodies,  as,  for  instance,  the  matter  of  education, 
although  the  town  continued  to  exist  under  the  letter  of  the  old 
document.  To  give  a  clear  idea  of  the  powers  and  duties  of  the 
Board,  we  quote  from  the  old  charter.  Certain  provisions  were 
made  which  have  no  place  in  the  charter  of  a  city  of  the  fourth 
class.  This  can  only  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  the  idea 
of  Hermann  as  a  "Grossstadt"  had  not  yet  vanished.  We  quote 
from  paragraphs  4  and  8  of  the  charter : 

"Said  Board  of  Trustees  shall  have  power  to  pass  by-laws 
and  ordinances  to  prevent  and  remove  nuisances,  to  prohibit 
gambling  and  gaming  houses,  to  license,  regulate  and  prohibit 
theatrical  and  other  amusements,  to  license  merchants,  grocers, 
pedlars,  auctioneers,  inn,  tavern  and  coffee-house  keepers  and  all 
taxes  raised  from  such  licenses  shall  be  paid  to  said  Board  and  ap 
plied  to  the  improvement  of  said  town;  to  prevent  or  restrain  the 
meeting  of  slaves,  the  firing  of  firearms,  to  regulate  and  establish 
markets,  to  erect  and  repair  bridges,  to  open,  establish,  widen,  ex 
tend  and  repair  streets,  avenues,  lanes,  alleys,  public  squares,  to 
drain  sewers  and  to  keep  the  same  clear,  to  graduate,  pave  and  im 
prove  the  streets  of  said  town,  to  erect,  repair  wharves  by  the  in 
habitants  thereof;  and  if  any  of  them  shall  fail  or  refuse  to  per 
form  the  part  assigned  to  them,  the  trustees  may  hire  the  same  to 
be  done,  and  levy  and  collect  the  price  thereof  on  the  persons  so 
failing  or  refusing,  and  they  shall  also  have  power  to 
cause  the  proportionate  part  of  such  erecting  or  clearing 
to  be  done  for  the  account  of  non-resident  lot  owners, 
and  the  price  thereof  to  be  levied  and  collected  as  afore 
said,  and,  if  it  cannot  be  otherwise  recovered,  the  trustees 
may  have  such  lot  or  lots,  or  any  part  thereof,  sold  to  de- 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  149 

fray  the  expenses  of  such  improvements  in  such  manner  as  said 
Board  may  by  ordinance  provide :  to  prevent  the  furious  and  un 
necessary  running,  galloping,  riding  or  driving  any  horse  or  mule 
within  said  town,  or  such  part  thereof  as  they  may  think  proper ; 
to  prohibit  the  running  of  hogs  at  large,  and  other  stock  within 
the  incorporated  limits  of  the  town,  or  such  parts  thereof  as  the 
Board  of  Trustees  may  think  proper;  to  establish  night  watches 
and  patrols ;  to  suppress  bawdy  and  other  disorderly  houses  with 
in  the  limits  of  said  town ;  to  erect  and  maintain  hospitals ;  to  pre 
vent  the  introduction  of  contagious  diseases,  and  to  secure  the 
general  health  of  the  town;  to  provide  for  the  extinguishing  of 
fire;  to  erect  school  houses,  to  keep  the  same  in  good  repair  and 
to  provide  for  the  education  of  children  in  said  town ;  to  levy  and 
collect  taxes  upon  real  and  personal  property  in  said  town,  but 
shall  not  impose  a  tax  at  a  higher  rate  than  one-half  of  one 
per  centum  on  the  assessed  value  of  the  property ;  to  fix  the  rate 
of  wharfage;  to  regulate  the  landing  and  stationing  of  steam 
boats,  rafts  and  water-crafts;  to  provide  for  the  inspection  of 
lumber,  building  materials  and  provisions  to  be  used  or  offered 
for  sale  in  said  town,  to  be  exported  therefrom ;  to  borrow  money, 
if  it  be  necessary,  for  paving  or  grading  the  streets,  erecting 
warehouses,  supplying  water  or  making  other  public  improve 
ments  in  said  town;  to  pass  such  ordinances  for  the  regulation 
and  police  of  said  town  as  said  trustees  may  think  necessary,  not 
contrary  to  the  laws  of  this  land,  and  said  Board  of  Trustees  shall 
have  power  to  pass  all  ordinances  to  carry  into  effect  the  object 
of  this  act  and  the  powers  herein  granted,  as  the  good  of  the  in 
habitants  may  require  and  to  impose  fines  and  penalties  for  the 
breach  of  their  ordinances;  to  regulate  the  clearing  and  cleaning 
of  chimneys  and  fix  the  fees  thereof ;  to  regulate  and  order  parti 
tion  and  parapet  walls  and  partition  fences ;  to  have  the  footways 
and  sidewalks  of  the  streets  paved  at  the  expense  of  the  owners 
and  occupiers  of  the  lots  fronting  on  such  paved  sidewalks,  and 
if  said  owner  or  occupier  fail  to  pave  the  same  as  directed  by 


150  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

ordinance,  said  trustees  shall  pave  the  same  and  recover  the  full 
expense  thereof  from  such  owner  or  occupier,  by  action  of  debt, 
before  any  Court  of  competent  jurisdiction,  and  if  any  tenant  be 
required  to  pave  in  front  of  the  property  occupied  by  him,  the  ex 
pense  thereof  shall  be  a  good  offset  against  so  much  rent  due  the 
owner;  but  no  tenant  shall  'be  required  to  expend  more  than  the 
rent  for  the  term  for  which  he  occupied  the  property.  If  any  per 
son  who  is  a  non-resident  fail  to  pave  in  front  of  his  property 
in  the  manner  and  time  prescribed  by  the  ordinance,  or  if  any 
person  who  is  a  resident  fail  to  pave  as  aforesaid,  and  the  ex 
pense  of  paving  cannot  be  otherwise  recovered  from  him.  the 
trustees  may  have  such  lot,  or  any  part  thereof,  sold  to  pay  ex 
penses  of  said  improvement  in  such  manner  as  said  Board  may 
by  ordinance  prescribe ;  provided,  that  such  person,  whether  resi 
dent  or  non-resident,  whose  property  has  been  sold  under  the  pro 
visions  of  this  act,  shall  have  the  right  to  redeem  the  same  within 
two  years  from  the  date  of  such  sale,  by  paying  the  full  amount  of 
the  taxes  and  cost  due  thereon,  together  with  the  interest,  at  the 
rate  of  fifteen  per  cent,  per  annum." 

To  a  provision  in  these  rigid  regulations  the  good  sidewalks 
of  Hermann  are  in  a  great  measure  attributable.  They  are  excep 
tionally  wide  and  substantial.  A  board  sidewalk  is  positively  un 
known  in  the  town. 

On  February  3,  1870,  the  old  charter  was  supplemented  by 
an  act  providing  for  the  macadamizing  of  the  streets.  This  work 
has  been  done,  and  Hermann  can  boast  of  streets  and  sidewalks 
far  above  those  of  any  other  town  of  its  size  in  the  State. 

Hermann  is  a  very  peaceful  town.  Until  1906  there  was  no 
holdover  within  its  limits.  But  rarely  disorderly  conduct  is  seen 
on  her  streets, and  then  the  transgressors  are  usually  non-residents 
of  Hermann,  who  do  not  know  'how  to  curb  their  appetites  in  this 
wine-town  as  those  to  the  manor  born  have  learned  to  do.  The 
occasional  cases  were  formerly  cared  for  in  the  county  jail,  which 
is  located  here. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  151 

4.     INDUSTRIES  AT  HERMANN. 

Small  as  Hermann  is,  it  nevertheless  stands  in  a  class  by  it 
self  among  the  towns  of  Missouri  in  at  least  one  industry,  namely, 
the  production  of  wine.  The  Missouri  State  Labor  Bureau  is 
sued  this  statement:  "Missouri  for  1904  shipped  a  twelfth  of  the 
wine  placed  on  the  market  by  all  States."*  According  to  this 
same  report,  the  surplus  number  of  gallons  of  wine  Missouri 
produced  is  3,068,780  gallons.  Of  this  quantity  Gasconade 
County  alone  furnished  2,971,576  gallons.  Almost  all  of  this 
amount  was  produced  at  Hermann,  or  its  immediate  surrounding 
country  districts. 

This  industry  is  by  no  means  a  recent  venture.  On  the  con 
trary,  it  is  the  legitimate  outcome  of  many  years  of  intelligent  ap 
plication,  its  beginning  dating  back  to  the  strenuous  days  of 
Hermann's  beginning.  Gert  Goebel  comments  upon  this  fact  in  his 
valuable  book  on  the  Missouri  Germans:  "Hermann  kann  mit 
Recht  die  Wiege  des  Weinbaues  in  Missouri  genannt  warden."** 
And  as  the  statistics  above  quoted  indicate,  it  maintains  its  birth 
right  with  dignity.  Many  causes  for  this  centralization  of  the 
wine  industry  have  been  cited,  many  conjectures  have  been  made 
to  account  for  it.  First  of  all,  it  is  always  stated  that  northern 
Gasconade  County  is  almost  wholly  German.  Most  persons  find 
this  to  be  sufficient  explanation.  But  when  it  is  remembered  that 
Putnam  County,  with  only  53  foreign-born  Germans,  ranks  sec 
ond  in  this  business,  and  that  other  German  settlements  produce 
no  wine  at  all,  the  value  of  such  an  explanation  is  diminished. 
Of  course,  the  aptitude  the  German  has  acquired  for  the  wine  cul 
ture  played  a  great  role  in  this  matter.  But  it  must  be  shown 
what  class  of  Germans  they  were  to  make  the  statement  really  of 
value.  This  is  done  by  Goebel,  whom  we  quote  here : 

,,Es  ist  sehr  begreiflich,  dass  die  ersten  deutschen  Ansiedler  im 


*  Annual  Report  of  the  Bureau  of  Labor  of  Missouri   for  year  ending 
November  5,   1905,  p.  21. 

**  Gert  Goebel,  "Langer  als  ein  Menschenleben  in  Missouri,"  p.  141. 


152          The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Frain  Thale  sehr  bald  nach  ihrer  Niederlassung  auf  die  Idee  kamen, 
Versuche  mit  der  Veredlung  des  Rebstocks  zu  machen ;  denn  iiberall 
im  Walde  und  selbst  an  den  steinigsten  Bergwanden  wuchsen  wilde, 
sehr  rauhe  Trauben  in  Menge,  und  da  die  allermeisten  dieser  frii- 
hen  Ankommlinge  Siid-Deutsche  und  Schweizer  waren,  so  mochten 
sie  leicht  an  die  Weinberge  in  ihrer  alten  Heimath  am  Rhein,  Neckar 
und  Main  erinnert  worden  sein,  und  somit  ward  der  erste  Anstoss 
gegeben.* 

Experiments  with  the  wild  grape  were  early  made ;  but,  prov 
ing  unsatisfactory,  the  cultivated  vine  was  introduced.  Though 
no  great  yields  are  mentioned  for  the  first  years,  yet  the  trial  must 
have  promised  generous  returns.  As  early  as  November  25th, 
1844,  the  trustees  of  Hermann  took  an  action  which  expresses 
the  manifest  intent  to  encourage  the  cultivation  of  the  vine:  "That 
those  persons  who  reside  here  be  allowed  to  take  up  vacant  lots, 
belonging  to  the  town,  for  the  purpose  of  cultivating  the  vine, 
upon  the  following  conditions,  to  wit. :  (a)  The  lots  are  to  be 
paid  for,  without  interest,  after  a  lapse  of  five  years ;  that  is  to  say, 
one-fifth  of  the  purchase  money  to  be  due  each  year,  without  in 
terest,  (b)  That  no  applicant  can  be  allowed  to  have  more  than 
five  lots,  in  the  manner  aforesaid,  and  that  the  persons  so  taking 
up  lots,  be  required  to  pay  all  taxes  resting  upon  the  same  from 
the  time  of  the  taking  up  of  such  lots,  (c)  That  each  person  so 
taking  up  lots  pledge  himself  within  the  space  of  two  years  to 
plant  two-fifths  of  the  lots  taken  up  with  the  vine,  so  that  in  five 
years  the  whole  of  said  lots  be  planted ;  otherwise  to  forfeit  his 
claim  or  title  thereto  and  be  liable  to  the  payment  of  ten  per  cent, 
annual  interest  on  the  purchase  money/' 

This  was,  indeed,  a  liberal  offer.  But,  generous  as  this  was, 
the  town  fairly  outdid  itself  when  it  extended  the  time  limit  to 
ten  years,  making  the  first  payment  due  five  years  after  the  tak 
ing  up  of  the  land.  How  eagerly  this  opportunity  was  accepted 
is  manifested  by  the  fact  that  by  exact  count  just  600  "wine  lots" 
were  bought  from  the  society.  Selling  at  the  uniform  rate  of 


Gert  Goebel,  "L'dnger  als  ein  Menschenleben  in  Missouri,"  pp.   141-2. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri. 


153 


$50.00  per  lot,  the  coffers  of  the  town  must  have  been  liberally 
replenished.  In  the  "Verzeichniss  der  unter  der  zehnjahrigen 
Kaufbedingung  aufgenommen  Weinlotten  nebst  Noten — Reg 
ister  A,"  it  appears  that  John  Sidler  has  the  distinction  of  acquir 
ing  the  first  "wine  lot."  The  simple  record  kept  is  this : 

JOHN  SIDLER. 


Jan.  2,  1845 

Lots  Nos. 

106  W.  4  &  105  W.  5  St. 

102,  104  W.  4,  101,  103  W.  5th  St. 


wherefore  his  notes 


Jan.   2 


£ 

w 
10 

00 

fO 

£ 

Tt 

»o 

00 

IO 

10 

00 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

250 


These  incentives  did  not  fail  to  arouse  interest  and  bring 
results.  Less  than  four  years  after  the  passage  of  the  above- 
quoted  resolutions,  the  brilliant  success  of  the  first  yield  was  be 
comingly  celebrated.  At  this  point  Goebel  again  furnishes  us 
a  most  interesting  account  of  Hermann's  first  "Weinfest." 

,,Ich  kann  mich  des  ersten  Weinfestes  in  Hermann  im  Herbst 
1848  noch  sehr  gut  erinnern.  Dr.  Gerling  und  ich  ritten  mit  einan- 
der  zu  diesem  Feste  nach  Hermann  und  als  wir  gegen  Abend  dort 
ankamen,  donnerte  ein  Sechspfunder  seine  Griisse  und  Gltick- 
wiinsche  iiber  Berg  und  Thai.  Die  Kunde  von  diesem  Erfolg  war 
in  Missouri  so  weit  gedrungen,  wie  damals  deutsch  gesprochen 
wurde;  und  es  waren  sogar  Besucher  von  St.  Louis,  Damen  und 
Herren,  auf  Dampfbooten  angekommen.  Am  nachsten  Morgan 
machte  sich  eine  ganze  Cavalcade  auf  den  Weg  zu  dem  Weinberg 
des  Herrn  Michael  Poschel,  und  ich  habe  es  in  der  That  nicht  be- 
reut,  den  weiten  Weg  von  zwanzig  Meilen  gemacht  zu  haben,  als 
ich  dort  die  Traubenpracht  mit  eigenen  Augen  sah.  Sein  tragender 
Weinberg  hatte  kaum  den  Flachenraum  von  einem  einzigen  Acker, 
aber  die  Spaliere  schienen  dort  eine  Wand  von  Nichts  als  Trauben 
zu  sein  und  darunter  war  keine  einzige  faule  Beere  zu  bemerken. 
Der  Ertrag  aus  der  Lese  von  diesem  kleinen  Weinberg  war  ein  sehr 
hoher,  denn  guter  Catawba,  der,  wenn  er  richtig  behandelt  wird, 
dem  Rheinwein  sehr  nahe  kommt,  war  damals  sehr  gesucht  und 
wurde  gut  bezahlt."* 

In  striking  upon  this  industry,  Hermann  had  found  the  true 
sphere  in  which  it  could  excel.  The  land,  while  not  adapted  to 


Goebel,  "Langer  als  ein  Menschenleben  in  Missouri,"  p.  142. 


154  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

general  agriculture,  is  admirably  suited  to  fruit  raising.  To  re 
move  all  hindrances  to  this  industry,  as  well  as  to  encourage  the 
work,  the  trustees  granted  the  "Western  Fruit,  Grape  and  Horti 
cultural  Society"  the  use  of  four  lots,  "for  the  purpose  of  a 
nursery,  for  the  term  of  twenty  years  which,  after  ten  years,  may 
be  sold  to  this  society  for  $50.00  per  lot." 

From  these  small,  determined  beginnings  the  wine  industry 
rapidly  grew,  outstripping  all  similar  undertakings,  not  only  in 
Missouri,  but  in  the  entire  stretches  of  the  great  Missouri  Valley, 
reaching  the  proportions  we  depicted  in  the  beginning  of  this 
chapter.  The  golden  age  of  Hermann's  great  industry  began  in 
the  year  1865.  By  this  time  many  of  the  best  kinds  of  grapes  had 
become  acclimated.  The  Virginia  Seedling,  the  Concord  and  the 
Delaware  and  other  kinds  had  proven  their  hardiness  to  with 
stand  Missouri's  changeful  climate. 

Among  the  pioneers  in  this  lucrative  business  at  Hermann 
belong  the  brothers,  Michael  Wilhelm  and  Melchior  Poeschel, 
Franz  Langendoerfer,  Jacob  Rommel,  Sr.,  Geo.  Hussmann, 
Strecker,  Vallet,  Grein  and  others.  Among  the  later  and  pres 
ent  promoters  of  the  work  may  be  named  Fleisch,  Eberlin,  Vogt, 
Hundhausen,  Henze,  Franz  and  Jacob  Kuhn,  Mueller,  Petrus, 
Weydemeyer,  Puchta,  Loehring,  Rhodius,  Sobbe,  Jacob  Rom 
mel  Jr.,  Sperry,  and  others.*  B'esides  this  long  list  of  producers, 
there  exists  in  Hermann  an  old  wine  company  under  a  compara 
tively  new  name.  The  firm  is  now  known  as  the  Stone  Hill  Wine 
Company.  It  does  the  lion's  share  of  Missouri's  wine  business. 
Its  famous  wine  cellars  are  said  to  be  the  largest  east  of  Cali 
fornia.** 

Other  products  of  Hermann  are  beer,  whiskey  and  shoes. 
In  the  palmy  days  of  steamboating  on  the  Missouri,  Hermann 
was  a  widely-known  shipping  point.  Many  of  the  boats  plying 
Missouri's  dark  waters  were  owned  by  men  in  Hermann.  Even 


*"Hermanner  Volksblatt"  for  Oct.  27,   1905. 

**  Walter  Williams  "The  State  of  Missouri,"  p.  388. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  155 

now  the  little  town  claims  the  distinction  of  ownig  more  boats 
than  any  other  town  along  the  river.  When  the  many  lines  of 
railroad  were  constructed  in  the  valley,  steamboating  became  im 
practicable  and  ceased  almost  completely.  Aside  from  the  pro 
ducts  already  enumerated,  Hermann  furnishes  nothing  beyond  the 
usual  contributions  peculiar  to  the  average  country  town. 

We  cannot  conclude  the  chapter  pertaining  to  Hermann's 
business  enterprises  without  considering  briefly  the  quaint  old 
market  house,  once  the  scene  of  hustle  and  bustle,  but  now  almost 
deserted.  It  will  be  remembered  that  in  an  early  part  of  our 
story  reference  was  made  to  the  broad  street  and  the  market 
houses  that  should  be  built  in  this  street.  As  a  matter  of  fact, 
only  one  such  building  was  erected.  It  still  stands — a  two-story 
brick  building,  just  in  the  middle  of  the  broad  street,  below 
Fourth  Street. 

We  believe  it  would  be  a  difficult  task  to  find  another  Mis 
souri  town  of  Hermann's  population  provided  with  such  a  build 
ing.  We  are  at  once  reminded  that  we  are  dealing  with  a  pe 
culiar  settlement — different  from  all  its  neighbors.  It  further 
more  stands  as  an  undeniable  proof  that  the  people  once  enter 
tained  the  loftiest  hopes  of  their  creation.  The  fact  also  sug 
gests  itself  that  the  founders  of  the  settlement  were  of  foreign 
extraction,  to  whom  such  institutions  were  familiar  and  appar 
ently  a  necessity,  even  in  smaller  towns. 

The  first  suggestion  of  such  a  centralization  of  the  market 
business  came  on  May  ist,  1854.  We  read  in  the  minutes  of  the 
trustees  of  that  day :  "That  the  petition  about  a  market  house  will 
be  considered,  and  that  the  trustees  will  view  the  locality."  It  is 
remarkable  that  such  a  request  should  come  as  late  as  this  in  the 
history  of  the  colony.  By  this  time  it  was  clearly  understood 
that  Hermann  would  not  be  a  great  city.  It  must  have  been  due 
to  the  fact  that  many  of  the  residents  were  formerly  Grossstadter 
and  of  foreign  birth.  On  the  I4th  of  August  of  the  same  year 
quoted,  the  contract  for  the  work  was  let.  The  building  was  com- 


156          The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

pleted  early  in  March,  1856.  The  lower  floor  was  provided  with 
eight  stalls  for  butchers  and  provisioners.  The  upper  story  con 
sisted  of  one  large  hall  and  served  as  city  hall  and  for  public  meet 
ings  of  various  kinds.  The  stalls  were  sold  to  the  highest  bidders. 
The  regulations  restricting  the  sale  of  meat  and  provisions  to  the 
market  house  made  it  imperative  for  provisioners  to  secure  rooms 
here.  The  stalls  sold  at  various  prices.  The  first  occupants  paid 
from  $3.80  to  $5.00  per  stall  per  annum.  A  market  master  had 
supervision  of  the  house,  and  was  held  responsible  for  the  exe 
cution  of  the  market  regulations.  Some  of  these  rules  bear  in 
sertion  here.  In  drawing  them  up,  the  trustees  admitted  they 
were  modeled  after  the  regulations  of  the  St.  Louis  market 
houses,  but  how  close  the  resemblance  is,  we  are  unable  to  say : 

"Each  stall  purchaser  is  bound  to  offer  meat  for  sale  3  times  a 
week,  at  least. 

No  stall  shall  be  used  for  any  other  purpose  than  for  selling 
provisions. 

Each  stallholder  shall,  within  half  an  hour  after  the  market 
time,  sweep  and  clean  his  stall,  if  not,  the  Market  master  shall  do 
it  at  the  expense  of  the  renter. 

The  market  hours  shall  be  from  daybreak  until  12  o'clock. 

During  market  hours  no  meat  shall  be  sold  by  pound  without 
the  market  house,  but  it  shall  be  permitted  to  sell  meat  at  quarter. 

Any  person  who  will  bring  meat  from  sick  or  starved  animals 
to  the  market,  sell  or  offer  for  sale,  shall  be  fined  no  less  than  $25.00 
and  no  more  than  $100.00. 

Butter,  eggs,  poultry,  vegetables,  etc.,  are  not  permitted  to  be 
offered  for  sale  during  the  market  hours  at  any  place  in  town,  with 
out  the  market  place.  All  persons  acting  against  said  ordinance, 
shall  pay  a  fine  of  no  less  than  one  and  no  more  than  five  dollars. 

It  is  not  permitted  to  sell  sausages,  hashed  meat,  ham,  bacon, 
salt  and  dried  meat  during  the  market  hours  at  any  place  in  the 
town  without  the  stalls  in  the  market  house,  by  pounds,  but  it  shall 
not  be  forbidden  to  sell  by  wholesale  without  the  stalls  at  the  market 
place.  All  persons  disregarding  this  ordinance  shall  be  fined  for 

$3.00. 

No  person  is  allowed  to  buy  more  provisions  than  necessary  for 
his  family  use  at  the  market,  with  the  purpose  of  selling  again. 

All  persons  buying  provisions  with  the  purpose  of  selling  again 
shall  be  considered' as  hucksters,  and  shall  be  obliged  to  rent  a  place 
from  the  Market  master,  for  which  the  sum  of  $2.00  for  6  months 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  157 

shall  be  paid,  payable  in  advance,  for  having  the  privilege  to  sell  at 
the  market  place. 

All  self-produced  articles,  suitable  for  a  provision  market,  can 
be  sold  during  the  market  time  at  the  market  place  without  paying 
any  particular  tax. 

Unwholesome  or  rotten  articles,  carried  to  the  market,  shall 
be  confiscated  and  destroyed  by  the  Market  master,  and  the  guilty 
shall  be  fined  for  not  less  than  one  and  not  more  than  $25.00. 

The  Market  master  shall  be  authorized  to  drive  away  from  the 
market  every  drunken  person  or  disturber,  and  if  in  such  a  case 
obedience  is  refused  to  him,  the  guilty  shall  be  fined  for  not  less 
than  one  and  not  more  than  five  dollars. 

It  is  forbidden  to  sell  liquor  at  the  market  place  during  the 
market  hours." 

Such  were  the  regulations  governing  the  Hermann  Market. 
Long  ago  they  have  become  void.  But  the  old  building  still 
stands — a  monument  of  a  period  of  Hermann's  history.  The 
lower  floor  is  now  practically  unused.  In  the  upper  room  the 
Town  Fathers,  until  1906,  deliberated  for  the  good  of  the  town, 
and  various  town  organizations  and  clubs  convened  here.  Now 
their  meetings  are  held  at  the  elegant  new  city  hall. 

5.     RELIGION,  SOCIAL  LIFE  AND  LITERARY  ACTIVITY. 

It  can  hardly  be  asserted  that  Hermann  is  predominently  re 
ligious  in  its  inclinations.  Many  of  the  early  settlers  were 
"Freisinnige,"  and  their  views  have  been  transmitted  to  the 
present  generation.  While  there  is  no  open  opposition  to  things 
religious,  yet  a  manifest  indifference  to  the  tenets  of  any  church 
prevails.  It  must  not  be  inferred  from  this,  however,  that  the 
moral  tone  of  the  town  is  below  the  average.  On  the  contrary, 
it  compares  quite  favorably  with  the  average  Missouri  town. 

There  are  many  things  that  would  shock  the  newcomer, 
unacquainted  with  the  customs  that  have  prevailed,  and  some  that 
still  prevail  among  the  people  at  Hermann.  Among  these  was 
the  custom  by  which  all  the  places  of  business  were  open  until 
noon  on  Sundays.  The  country  folk  came  to  town  to  purchase, 
as  well  as  to  pray.  Such  had  been  the  custom  since  Hermann's 
pioneer  days.  And  all  this  notwithstanding  the  Sunday  Closing 


158  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Law  on  the  statute  books  of  the  State.  They  saw  no  wrong  in 
this  practice.  They  held  that  Sunday  was  made  for  them,  and 
not  they  for  the  day.  No  wonder  they  regarded  it  as  an  infringe 
ment  on  their  rights  when  Governor  Folk  proceeded  to  enforce 
the  laws  of  the  State  relating  to  Sunday  closing.  But,  to  the 
credit  of  the  good  people  be  it  said,  they  respected  the  law  when  it 
was  brought  to  their  attention.  Governor  Folk  himself  paid  the 
Germans  a  fine  compliment  in  his  address  before  the  Alumni  of 
the  University  of  Missouri,  on  June  7,  1905,  when  he  said:  "They 
are  the  most  law-abiding  and  law-respecting  people  in  the  world. 
When  they  find  the  enforcement  of  Sunday  closing  means  simply 
upholding  the  majesty  of  the  law,  and  not  the  whim  of  the  execu 
tive,  I  believe  they  will  support  it.  They  may  not  agree  with  me 
as  to  the  wisdom  of  the  law;  but  so  long  as  it  is  the  law,  the 
expression  of  the  sovereign  will  of  the  people  of  Missouri,  they 
will  uphold  its  enforcement  until  it  is  repealed/* 

The  people  of  Hermann  believe  in  a  joyful  Sabbath.  It  is 
their  fete  day.  Public  opinion  outside  of  their  community  deters 
them  not  a  whit.  The  "Maifest"  of  the  public  school,  when  young 
and  old  wander  to  the  pretty  park,  always  falls  on  Sunday.  The 
gala-day  of  the  Gasconade  County  Fair  is  Sunday.  Lodges  and 
societies  hold  their  festivities  and  dances  on  Sunday.  The 
"Schiitzenfest"  and  baseball  games  fall  on  this  day.  Every  sum 
mer  from  six  to  eight  Sunday  railroad  and  boat  excursions  bring 
throngs  of  pleasure  seekers  from  St.  Louis  and  other  places  to 
"Little  Germany."  Most  of  the  visitors  are  Germans  who  wish 
to  spend  a  typically  German  Sunday.  Music  and  song  and 
wine  lend  their  share  towards  a  pleasant  day,  whose  evening 
comes  only  too  soon. 

The  three  religious  denominations  represented  are  the  Cath 
olic,  the  Evangelical  and  the  Methodist,  which  range  numerically 
in  the  order  here  given.  All  of  them  draw  their  following  from 
the  town,  as  well  as  the  surrounding  country.  Each  of  them  owns 
its  own  house  of  worship,  a  parsonage,  and,  in  the  case  of  the 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  159 

Catholic,  a  spacious  school  building,  in  which  Sisters  instruct  the 
youth  of  the  parish.  The  architecture  is  that  so  commonly  found 
in  German  churches  of  this  country — a  long  rectangular  structure, 
with  a  tall,  slender  spire  with  bell  or  bells  directly  in  front  of 
it.  The  ritualistic  and  all  the  other  ministerial  work  of  the  Evan 
gelical  and  Catholic  Churches  is  conducted  exclusively  in  the 
German  language.  The  Methodist  Church,  in  order  to  accom 
modate  certain  non-German  residents,  employs  both  the  English 
and  the  German  languages  in  its  services. 

While  educational  matters  had  received  earnest  considera 
tion  from  the  very  first,  religious  affairs  remained  long  in  the 
background.  Indeed,  no  mention  whatsoever  appears  on  the 
records  regarding  religion  until  the  spring  of  1841,  when  the 
trustees  resolved :  "That  the  request  of  the  trustees  of  the  Gen 
eral  German  Church  to  be  allowed  to  hold  their  meetings  in  the 
school  house  be  granted."  Just  what  the  nature  of  the  teachings 
of  this  church  was,  is  not  known.  Most  probably,  it  was  quite  lib 
eral,  in  conformity  with  the  views  of  many  of  the  settlers. 

The  Town  Fathers  were  far  less  liberal  towards  the  churches 
than  they  had  been  to  other  institutions.  They,  who  had  more 
land  than  they  could  well  manage,  felt  unable  to  promote  the 
growth  of  churches.  So  they  voted :  "That  the  town  is  willing 
to  sell  to  the  General  German  Church  lots  Nos.  5  and  6  at  a  price 
of  $112.50  each,  on  ten  years'  credit,  with  6  per  cent,  yearly  in 
terest;  but  that  no  donation  of  lots  in  favor  the  Church  can  be 
granted."  These  terms  were,  indeed,  less  advantageous  than 
those  which  were  offered  to  the  vintagers.  Later  their  former 
resolution  was  emphasized  by  the  decree :  "That  all  further  peti 
tion  for  donations  of  lots  by  religious  denominations  be  dismissed 
without  deliberation  by  the  trustees."  On  October  2Oth,  1841,  all 
religious  denominations  were  precluded  from  the  use  of  the 
school  house  for  religious  services.  A  year  later,  however,  it 
became  plain  to  the  trustees  that  such  an  antagonistic  attitude 
towards  the  church  must  react  on  themselves,  and  prove  detri- 


160  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

mental  to  the  growth  of  the  town.  They  therefore  hastened  to 
make  amends  for  their  narrowness  and  rectify  the  impression 
that  Hermann  was  altogether  worldly.  They  revoked  the  action 
taken,  and  saw  to  it  that  this  revocation  should  become  public. 
"That  the  school  house  of  this  town  shall  be  open  to  all  religious 
persuasions  for  the  purpose  of  holding  their  congregations  there 
in,  and  that  this  ordinance  be  published  in  the  Anzeiger  des 
West  ens  at  St.  Louis  and  in  the  Alte  und  Neue  Welt  in  Philadel 
phia/' 

The  General  German  Church,  with  its  liberal  interpretation 
of  the  rules  of  conduct,  did  not  prosper  long.  After  a  few  years 
of  unsuccessful  existence  it  disappeared.  The  text  which  its  min 
ister  (whose  name  we  are  unable  to  learn)  used  at  the  last  meet 
ing  was :  "1st  das  Werk  aus  Gott,  so  wirds  bestehen,  ist  es  nicht 
aus  Gott,  so  wirds  untergehen." 

Simultaneously  with  this  General  Church,  the  Evangelical 
and  Roman  Catholic  Churches  took  their  rise.  The  trustees  acted 
more  liberally  towards  these  bodies  than  was  generally  expected. 
The  terms  of  purchase  of  land  were  generous,  and  permission 
was  willingly  granted  to  cut  the  necessary  timber  from  the  re 
serve  lands  of  the  town. 

The  Evangelical  Church  was  not  established  tinder  the 
auspices  of  the  Evangelical  Synod,  but  simply  by  Evangelical 
Protestants.  During  the  first  years  it  was  ministered  to  by 
pastors  unattached  to  any  of  the  great  church  bodies.  In  1851  it 
was  for  the  first  time  provided  with  an  adherent  to  the  Evangel 
ical  Synod.  But  the  body  was  still  known  as  "Freie  Gemeinde," 
and  remained  so,  even  until  1902,  when  it  chose  to  come  into 
the  corporate  religious  body  known  as  the  "Deutsche  Evangel- 
ische  Synode  von  Nord  Amerika,"  even  though  disciples  of  this 
body  had  administered  to  its  spiritual  needs  for  half  a  century. 
This  unwavering  adherence  to  existing  conditions,  this  hesitancy 
to  accept  new  things,  though  they  be  well  tried,  is  a  characteristic 
of  Hermann.  We  have  seen  it  in  its  municipal  government,  in 


EDUARD   MUHL.— 1800-1854. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  161 

its  educational  system,  and,  in  the  case  of  this  one  organization, 
in  its  religion. 

The  Hermannites  have  ever  been  a  pleasure-loving  people. 
We  pointed  out  in  the  beginning  of  this  work  that  the  Germans 
desired  to  unite  the  advantages  of  America  and  the  pleasures  of 
Germany  in  the  colony.  To  this  principle  they  have  ever  adhered. 
The  opposition  to  the  interpretation  of  Americans  of  what  is 
meant  by  keeping  the  Sabbath  holy  has  ever  now  and  again  found 
expression.  Never,  perhaps,  more  sarcastically  than  in  the  sec 
ond  edition  of  the  Licht-Prewnd,  published  by  Miihl  (of  whom 
more  later),  on  August  30,  1843.  The  editor  had  just  discussed 
certain  phases  of  social  life  at  Cincinnati,  his  former  home,  and 
then  continued  to  depict  scenes  of  a  Sunday  at  Hermann  in  the 
early  days : 

,,Wenn  der  Sabbathsmissionar  an  uns  in  Hermann,  eine  ahn- 
liche  Anfrage  wie  an  die  Doctoren  in  Cincinnati  hatte  ergehen  las- 
sen,  so  wurden  wir  ihm  die  ganz  einfache  Antwort,  ohne  alle  Doc- 
torweisheit  freilich,  gegeben  haben:  Herr  Sabbathsmissionar,  wir 
meinen  allerdings  auch,  dass  Mensch  und  Thier  nicht  zur  Qualerei 
da  sind,  desshalb  eine  der  Natur  angemessene  Ruhe  und  Erholung 
haben  mussen ;  auch  halten  wir  unsern  Sonntag  allhier,  aber  nun 
freilich  nicht  nach  englischer,  sondern  deutscher  Weise,  d.  h.  wir 
bringen  ihn  nicht  grade  ausschliesslich  in  der  Kirche  und  dem 
Wiegestuhl  zu,  sondern  so,  wie  wir  es  unserm  Geiste  und  Korper 
angemessen  halten;  deshalb  horen  wir  wohl  auch  einen  religiosen 
Vortrag  an,  oder  lesen  in  einem  Buche,  das  uns  zusagt;  dann  aber 
gehen  wir  wohl  auf  die  Jagd  oder  fischen,  plaudern  so  recht  gemuth- 
lich  in  Gesellschaft,  und  alle  vier  Wochen  gehen  wir  einmal  Sonntags 
Abends,  in  unser  kleines  Theater,  wie  z.  B.  letzten  Sonntag,  wo 
,,Hedwig"  von  Korner  aufgefiihrt  und  am  Schlusse  ein  Tanzchen, 
in  Anstand  und  Ehre,  gehalten  wurde.  Uebrigens  lassen  wir  einen 
Jeden  seinen  Tag  feiern,  wie  er  will,  und  wie  seine  religiose  Ansicht 
immer  sein  mag,  ist  er  Jude,  Muhamedaner,  Heide  u.  s.  w.,  denn 
sehen  Sie,  Herr  Missionair,  das  nennen  wir  religiose  Duldsamkeit, 
gegen  die  ganze  Welt,  der  wir  keineswegs  in  irgend  einer  Art  in 
religioser  Beziehung  Vorschriften  geben  wollen.  Das  ist  nun  so 
unsere  einfaltige  Meinung,  drum  kommen  Sie  lieber  nicht  nach  Her 
mann,  um  den  Sonntag  hier  zu  verleben,  denn  Sie  wiirden  sich  am 
Ende  argern,  weil  Sie  nichts  als  heitere  Sonntagsgesichter  sehen, 


1 62  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

und  keine  langen,  trauerklothigen,  englischen  Kirchenphysiogno- 
mien,  die  Sie,  gestehen  Sie  es  einmal  recht  ehrlich,  gewiss  zu  Ihrer 
Sabbathfeier  nothwendig  halten." 

Such  statements  furnish  us  with  the  clearest  pictures  of 
things  at  old  Hermann,  and  give  us  the  only  rational  basis  for  ac 
counting  for  the  peculiar  views  now  held. 

In  the  autumn  of  1847,  there  was  organized  at  Hermann  a 
society  which  was  appropriately  called  "Erholung."  It  was  the 
direct  outgrowth  of  a  "Theaterverein"  which  dates  its  beginning 
to  the  very  early  days  of  the  colony,  and  to  which  Miihl  referred 
in  the  quotation  above  given.  Under  the  auspices  of  the  "Erho 
lung"  every  diversion  was  permitted  that  tended  towards  the 
amelioration,  the  enlivenment  and  cheer  of  its  members,  after  the 
burdens  of  the  week  had  been  borne.  On  Washington's  Birthday 
of  1848,  this  society  presented  its  first  drama.  Curiously  enough, 
it  was  Kotzebue's  Armuth  und  Edelstein.  Indeed,  quite  a  fond 
ness  was  shown  for  this  author's  plays.  This,  on  the  sur 
face,  does  not  argue  well  for  the  standards  of  this  "Leibhaberthe- 
ater."  Still,  it  must  be  remembered  that  Kotzebue  was  once  a 
very  popular  playwright,  even  in  Germany.  More  pretentious  ef 
forts  were  made  as  the  society  grew  older.  On  August  9,  1852, 
the  Hermanner  Wochenblatt  announced  the  presentation  of 
Schiller's  Die  Rduber.  The  society  owned  its  own  meeting 
place,  and  had  it  well  furnished.  Most  of  the  citizens  of  Her 
mann  were  active  members  of  the  organization.  For  fourteen 
years  it  was  the  centre  of  social  activity.  During  the  disturbances 
of  the  Civil  War  the  meetings  were  interrupted.  When  order 
was  again  restored,  it  appears  that  the  interest  and  enthusiasm 
for  the  cause  had  waned.  Despite  the  strenuous  efforts  to  arouse 
the  members  again,  this  society  ceased  to  exist  in  the  year  1866. 

The  interest  for  dramatic  performances  is  still  alive,  although 
a  regular  "Theaterverein"  no  longer  exists.  Every  now  and 
then  a  play  is  presented,  and  that  quite  creditably. 

From  the  very  beginning  Hermann  has  had  musical  organi- 


»&  *al  ®nh  behatttt. 
M<E«r.a,8l. 


2Btl4e  OUf.igiim  id)  fcrtennt  J    Seine  »«n  aHcn,  bU  2>u  mlt  wn»|l.-Ua> 
nxumntcint?    Hug  *e(.8ion. 


<£«  gittf  uiwmpfa,.gIt< 
*n»climmtr  fei 


j)«rau6gegebtn  Don  <£.  .5Rnb,l  unb 


ftrrmann, 


.,   JKttttootft, 


,  23.  184S. 


t  bin  9  im  3  «  it.-2>icfe«  Slatt  crfacint  ihenatu* 
«b|-iablii..fl  i  UnkridjrciK-t  anml,mcn,  maftcn  trir  fir 
We  jG>craM0 


t>cut|cf)ct  3eituitgcn  trc(<f)i 


cimfll  tint  f  o|U<  1  S>eOar  »*£»«*.  .*»« 
e9Jr|«l,fun?  tcranmeitltt.    XBe  SBmfe  imh. 
n>cd;fcfii,  |inb  «|ud)t,  fid)  t«  TJgtntfaaft  jii  untcrjicljcti. 


«  tt{«4liinfl  i  »ir»  ftin  Sfatt  aiif  gcgcttii  .^ 
&,,l.m9»n,  f,  »ic  etirfmranecn.  nu.ffcM  r 


,  wa«  «»a  MM  (ft 


mttii,  ttttd-r  rt-H 

!r  t'r  c  i  liBgcfan 


b  c  i  m   S&eginne   beS'eierten 
•3  a  I)  r  g  a  n  9  c  §. 

3'nbcm  id;  Me  Ufcr  bc»  £>()io  vcrlief?  urn  mid) 
on  bcucn  bc»  Stfifiouri  anjnficbcln,  mcinc  llntge 
bung  aber  fo  cine  ganj  ncue  gcworben  iff,  mag  c 
<tngcmc(fcn  cvfd;cincn,  bctf;  id;  in  bif  fern  9>(atte, 
tnit  bent  id;  ben  uievtrn  3a[)rfl«ng  beginnf,-  eini- 
ge  5Sorrc  an  ineinc  beutfdxn  ©enojfen  vid;tf,  nut 
benen  id;,  fie  freunblid;  bcgvuf^enb,  lucr  in  ihve 
^Olitte  tvctc,  jii<jfcid?  bittcnb,  ntid;  mir  ekn  bem 
Scvtvauen  nufjuncljmen,  vectyrt  mid;  untcr  fie 
ffiln-tc. 

Sir  ftnb,  mcine  ®cno|]en,  bie^inber  finer gvo= 
f;en  unb  gcnxitti.ijen  3eit,  bie  \v\v  cvlcbten,  im  alten 
j?eimiUl)l'anbc  jenfeitd  be3  W?ccre?.  3ehe  jMnu 
Vfe  aber,  welcfje  wiv  bort  fatjen  it.  nn  benen  tt?ir 
fllfo  niebr  obev  uH-niger  20eil  uatjnten,  flatten  il)= 
ten  Cjninb  ttnb  i()re  Uvf.wi;e  in  (jbljcrer  5Pitbung, 
ju  n'eld;i'v  bie  05e"fd)'erf;tfr  fortgefcfyrittcn  waren, 
bie  fo  311  ftoherem  ^flb(t^Wlij5tfctn  gclangt,  t!)re 
9u'd;re  tmb  'pflid;ren  cfivogen,  inib  i()ve  9?iihu 
bi^feit  iiit'JfpvadA'ii,  nun  cibev  itnd;  iievftnigten, 
bafj  nt-.in.ftc  nii-3  finer  9JormunbjH;rtft  taife,  uvU 
cl)e  \w\)i  ffir  ein  CJcK^led)t  bev  ^inbf)eit  geMtigt, 
cinem  5111-  5)iaitnbarfeit  aber  Ijerattjjereiften  entel^ 
'.renb  erfitcjiu'vi  nut|lre.  DieS  aborebcn .fteranlajir 
•Te'bie.  tnclf>ul;en  SJenie^mvgen,  wcld;ewir  crlebrcn, 
ba5  illte  tvat  mit  bent  Olenen  in  .ftamvf,  unb  ein 
newer  pcitranm  in  bev  9J61fcrgefd;id;te  (>ute  bes 
goinien.  .I^.t'3  Cube  biefeo  .Rar.ipfeS,  »verd;er 
nod;  fortivaljrr,  U'ollren  nnr  nidjt  cnxviiten,  \vt\l 
($>  nid;t  in  unfrer  \Icbenf'.ilrev  fallen  u>ollte,  uno 
u»ir  .joajen  in  bie?  i'aub,  nvld;e?  nuin  ba?  ber 
^rcihcif  nrnnt,  u'o  3'ebem  Ounnn  (jvjjonnt  iviit, 
fid) .  nad;  feiner  Ueberjengnng  511  beioegen  nub 
rtu?jitteben. 

Siejicf)t  fid;  ba?  jel;t  Gnvadnte  nun  oovjuglid; 
oiif  basj^i'lb  bec>  y>o[itifd;eit  Vleben-j,  fo  niii|;crt  UMV 
Mi1  2)cincrhtrig  liinjiifiiiK"  :  ^l1^  OIU'0  fl»f  bent 
Ojfbiere  ber  iKeliaion  grojje  ^ewe^un^en  ftd;tlxir 
wnvben,  uijb  .Ritmpfe  ontftanbeii,  M?eld;e  fine 
nr'iie  >it  berfunbigten.  Semi  nvtm  bie  an  5i?iU 
>»n;.)  fin-tflefrf;rittenen  unb  fid;  fveier  fiiljlenben 
(>>eifter  bie  politifd;1'  .TH^matif  511  l?elend;ten  n>ti*v 
tcn,  unb  fid)  von  femem  3)?ad;nraTe  ber  -Jiviftos 
ifiHic  in  idrer  Untevfitd;ung  unb  ^rnftini]  ftbren 
Jif|}eit,fo  erfd;ien  <*  my  ijan;  cp;i|"(\iiicnt  niib  na* 


titrlid;,  pap  man  ana;  mtf  eatisnvst  ber  ineu 
unb  .^ird;c  bim'ibcrtrat,  imb  ebcn'  and;  baffeltx 
9ted;t  ber  ^.Vfifiing  u,nbjsovfd;tinj  gcttfnb  macl)te 
wenn  man  ben53fclfern  etne.Dojjmatif  beu  religibs 
fen  GSIaitbCttS  atjS  unumfti>j;lid;  unb  unwanoclbai 
hingeftcUt  Iiatte.  -Su  bicfer  ^ri'ifung  auf  rcligib= 
fern  ©cbictc  gab  oorifiglid;  bie  ^formation  be6 
I6ten  Sabrlnmbcrt?  in  £eutfd;lanb  2}eranta(;img 
2enn  mid;bem  bie^pievard;ie  berr&mifd;en.$Vird;i 
biS  ju  ber  tmgtaublid;en  3iu$fd?n>eifung  gefommet 
war,  ba(]  fie  bie  C5ewipcn  nid;t  tiur  fid;  ganj  51 
Sclaoen  gemad;t,  unb  fclbft  be-n  unt>erfd;amtfftet 
nb  ntd;lofeften  J»;>anbel  mit  ben  ©unben  bci 
iSelt  getrieben  Ijatte,  bie  fie  fir  (^elb  fid;  abfau= 
'en  lief),  tun  e6  Don  ber  spricftrvs  unb  ^faffemvelt 
?hJoUuft<n  alter  Slr't  ocrgeuben  311  la^cn,  fo  uxu 
bod;  biefcSunbe^u  tbierifd;  unb  teuflifd;raffinii't, 
al»  bap  fie  md;t  Ijatte  foUen  bei  ben  benfenben 
3cirgcnopen  UnroiUen  unb  ^ntritftung  evregcn. 
ie  SKefonuatiou  ging  t*pn  bem  (*>rnnbfatyc  ber 
Pn'ifuni}  unb  gorfel)ung  auf  bem  ©ebiete  ber 
igion  auS,  worratf  bie  JReforntatorcn  ganj  na 
id;gel;itet  nvrbcn  ntujsten,  nut  eiuen  ftd;cm^)alt 
511  gruiinnrn,  unb  9iom  foavbe  and;  jeljt  in  fird;= 
id;er  k3*5ie6ung  in  feinen  t5nmbfeftcn  erfd;i'trtcrt 
nib  gebebmi'ttbigt,  une  bieo  fn'tber  i()m  fd;on  in 
:o!itifd)f r .rrgangen  war. 

£<\-  ©nuibfali  be-3  9veformationcijC!taIter?,  ham- 
id;  ber  %iV"ung  unb  ^orfcljung  auf  roligibfent  fee: 
jietc,  unirbe  wt\  ba  eine  ncue  3eitibee,  bie  fid;  in 
a-3  Sebcn  einbrangte  unb  fid;  mic  ^OJad;t  fud;:e 
jcltenb  ,511  mad;en.  Siffe  3bee,  bamalo  hinge: 
v»orfen  gleid;fam  nur,  unb  befd;vanft  aufgefapt 
ben  Siefonuatoren,  ifc  im  ^Jerfauf  v>on  bret 
x\a()vl)itnbevten  weitcr  u.  freicv  aufgefa|lr  ttwrbcn, 
ie  hat  fid;  bbber  au-ojTi'bilbct,  wollen  nnr  fagen. 
.IMe  iftefonmitorcn  namlidy  uabmen  ticd;i:ifiiid;en 
>id;riffen  bci>  alten  unb  neuen  Xcjlaiucntc^  •  a(o 
ben  einjigen  6Jlaubene>gruab  an,  unb  oyyonlrten 
fo  ber  rontifd;en  ^{ird;e,  uicld;e  fid;  auf  '£rabitio= 
nen  birrief,  burd;  HH'ld;e  fie  allerbiugd  in  fo  yielcn 
.Dingin,  bem  2l«S|VriK(>i'  beo  ^tifterci  ber  d;ri|KU 
d;en  3leligion  unb  feinen  3iingern  firaif'.'  cnrges 
gentrat.  'ilbev  bao  tobte  2i5ort  in  ber  SMbcl  blicb 
bod;  norl;  iln-  Icitenbi-riitevn  iniad;fii  be-5  (Slaiu 
tcu3,  unb  bied  beweifl  bie  ..Doa.miitif  ober  bie 
Wtaubi'nMcOre,  iveld;c  wit  nod;  iivber^rotcfcanci-- 
fd;en  5tird)e  antivffen,  uvld;e  aber  ber  gefimben 
•Henwnft  oft  ebcn  fo  ,wibcv^icl>f»  fl^  bie  ber  vb- 


ifd;en  $ird;c,  unb  beS  Unftnnc-3  itnbSSiberfyrw* 
d;e*  fo  vie!  entbalt,  fap  man  ftd;  nid;t  erwfjren 
f'ann,  ein  tiefe-3  Sx'baucrn  anc^nfpredien. 

Sebod;  and;  biefe  Sognmtif  mufne  fid;  ubertc-- 
ben,  nad;bem  man  burd;  J)n!fc  ber  2<oiffenfd;rtf= 
ten,  weldK  niet;t  mebr  bie  Wagb  ber  .Rird;e,  trie 
friilxr,  warcn,.  fonbern  fid;  fret  cin'falren  unb  be* 
wegcn  fonnten,  auf  ganj  ai.fcre  %tfid;tcn  getcitet 
hntrbe,  al§  bie  waren,  n>e[d;e.  man  biuber  mit  bvn 


ten  verbunben  batte.  Stud;  gclang  man  ju  bcr- 
lleberjeugung, ..  baj;  jcne  retigibfen  3d;rifrfteller, 
gleid;  anbern  ?PJenfd;en,  bitn  (jinfluifcn  ibrer  3etl 
inb  ibre3  53olfe'5  untenvorfen  waren,  unb  fomit 
and;  fo  mnndjen  ^ontrtbeilcn,  weld;e  bieSilbung 
ener^eit  bejeidjneten.  £o^oielcy  aber,  WM  unO 
al'3  23unber  au-3  jener  ?eit  erjafi'tt  wJrb,  vermo= 
gen  n>ir  aB  ganj  naturlid;e  Grfd;einung  jcljt  bars 
julegen.  2So  aber  bie^  un3  nid;t  moglid;  ift, 
gtattben  HMI-  bod;  ailed  ubcniaturlid;  i'junbcrvolle 
teugnen  511  ntujfen,  weit  und  ein  93lirf  in  bie  gre= 
He.jpau^orbnung  ber.sISelt  tebrt,  baj?  eine  ewiige 
i^beit,  weJd;e  waiter  unb  regie rt,  nad;  fid;  ftetu 
glctd)bleibenben  GJefetjen,  bie  fte  in  bie  Oronnurt, 
ber  Singe  tegte,  verfabrt,  unb  ein  ^unber  ju* 
gleid;  ein  "iliifbeben  bie|er  Orbnung  fein  wutbe, 

inujitt,  HH-il  fie  baburd;  511  erfennen  geben  wurbe, 
"ie  babe  cn\m3  Uuvollfommne6  getljan,  banmt 
iv.iipte  fie  bie  Suefe  burl;  ein  ilounber  auufi'ilten. 
3 oil  id;  aber  ben  Icjtenben  ©runbfalj  bctauciftcU 
en,  nad;  bent  man  fief;  be.i  bem  ^huiehmen  i>bcr- 
iSerwcrfen  be?  religibfen  felaitbeny  rid;tete,  fe 
ift  e-3  ber :  ,,9}Jan  f'ann  nur  bas  glaubvn,  jpaS 
inrdntuf'  ben  'itnforberungen  ber  SJcrntinft  ent= 
fprid)t  unb  ben  bkl;ften  3wecf  ber  Sicligion  forbevt, 
iiamlid)  ^foralitat,  b.  b.  3irtlid)feit,  we!d;e  fid; 
.n  unferitt  Seben  burd;  iiJort  unb  ll)at  abbrtuf cii, 
fpiegeln  mup.  SsJao  aber  ticfen  "Jtuforberungeii 
:iiel;t  entf^ridyt,  tann  nid;t  cad)e  religiofen^)lai(,: 
.H'thi  fein,  fonbern  ift  311  Dernvrfen.  Siejcniyeu 
tber,  weld;e  fid;  von  fold;em  bier  angefiiljiicii 
Jivunbfal^  leiten  unb  beftimmcn  laffcn,  bat  iuiui 
nit  cinem  air3  ber  lateinifd)en  cyrad;e  abgeleues 
:en  ifiorte,  9iatwna-liften  o^er  ^Jcrminftijlaubige 
jcnamit. 

9)fit  J^reuben  nnnmt  nun  ber  ^crnunft J,laiil>i,a,t' 
!i  bet  d;riftlid;en  Vehrc  bao  an,  ti\co  ben  x'lnfoff 
onitffcn  ber'JJernu'.tft  enrjVvM/f,  unb  brt'enut  tin- 


THE   FIRST   PAGE   PRINTED   AT   HERMANN. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  163 

zations,  that  have  contributed  to  the  enjoyment  and  edification  of 
its  inhabitants.  In  the  letter  previously  quoted  from  the  Alte  und 
Neue  Welt  for  June  15,  1839,  we  saw  that  Hermann,  even  then, 
had  a  "Musik-Chor  mit  Blech  Instrumenten."  In  1844  a  musical 
organization  existed,  which  has,  under  one  name  or  another,  per 
petuated  itself  until  this  very  day.  Proof  of  the  existence  of  such 
a  body  is  found  in  the  minutes  of  the  trustees  of  the  town,  who,  on 
March  nth,  1844,  voted  "That  the  society  for  vocal  music,  exist 
ing  and  known  by  the  name  of  'Hermann  Mannerchor/  be  allowed 
to  have  the  use  of  the  school  house  for  their  vocal  exercises."  At 
present  such  an  organization  of  thirty  members  exists  under  the 
name  of  "Harmonic. "  To  our  question  as  to  whether  the  club 
still  continued  its  work,  Mr.  Glatte,  the  director,  wrote :  "Jaw°lil 
und  erst  am  10.  d.  M.  (March,  1906)  hat  der  Verein  ein  recht 
schones  Konzert  gegeben."  At  different  times  we  have  heard 
some  delightful  orchestra  concerts  at  Hermann.  It  is,  of  course, 
impossible  to  hold  an  orchestra  together  the  year  around  in  such 
a  small  place.  Mr.  Glatte  says  concerning  it : 

?,Ein  Orchester  trommle  ich  gewohnlich  zusammen  fiir  unser 
jahrliches  Harmonie-Konzert.  Wir  beginnen  unsere  regelmassigen 
Uebungen  ein  paar  Monate  vor  dem  Konzert,  und  das  Konzert  selbst 
markirt  den  Tag  der  Auflosung  der  Vereinigung.  ,,Der  Mohr  hat 
seine  Arbeit  gethan,  der  Mohr  kann  gehen." 

A  brass  band,  passing  under  the  pious  name  of  "Apostel 
Band,"  contributes  to  the  enjoyment  of  all  public  gatherings  at 
the  park. 

Some  twenty-five  years  ago,  a  Turnverein  was  organized  at 
Hermann,  and  for  some  time  flourished.  To  our  question  as  to 
its  present  condition  and  activity,  Mr.  Glatte  writes,  in  the  letter 
above  referred  to : 

,,Finanziel  in  vorziiglicher  Verfassung,  aber  schon  seit  ca. 
einem  Jahre  suspendirt.  Es  ist  nicht  moglich  gewesen  geniigend 
Leute  dafiir  zu  interessieren  und  regelrechte  Turnabende  abzu- 
halten." 


164  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Of  fraternal  organizations,  Hermann  has  three,  viz. :  the 
"Masonic,"  the  "Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows"  and  the 
"Knights  of  Pythias."  Of  these,  the  lodge  of  Odd  Fellows  needs 
special  mention,  in  that  all  their  ritualistic  work  is  conducted  in 
German.  There  are  ten  other  such  lodges  in  Missouri  working 
in  German — seven  in  St.  Louis,  one  in  St.  Joseph,  one  in  Kansas 
City,  and  one  in  Lexington.  The  lodge  at  Hermann  is  named 
Robert  Blum  Lodge,  No.  46.  It  was  organized  on  April  27th, 
1850,  and  named  after  the  German  patriot,  Robert  Blum,  who 
was  executed  November  Qth,  1848.  It  goes  almost  without  saying 
that  the  founders  of  this  lodge  belonged  to  that  renowned  class 
of  immigrants  known  as  the  Forty-eighters,  or,  at  least,  were 
ardent  sympathizers  with  the  radical  movement  that  sought  to 
liberate  and  unify  the  Fatherland.  To  commemorate  the  events 
of  those  years,  they  erected  the  martyr  Blum  a  monument  in  the 
name  of  their  lodge.* 

In  the  days  of  the  independent  thinker  and  fearless  opponent 
to  every  form  of  slavery — Eduard  Miihl — many  of  the  wide 
awake  residents  of  Hermann  were  united  into  a  unique  society, 
known  as  "Der  Verein  Freier  Manner."  As  we  learn  from  the 
Hermanner  Wochenblatt  of  April  9,  1852,*  this  body  had  then 
just  been  organized.  We  read  there :  "Am  vergangenen  Sonntag, 
als  am  4ten,  fand  die  Eroffnung  des  Vereines  'Freier  Manner' 
allhier  statt."  Muhl  delivered  an  address  at  the  opening.  This 
address  was  introduced  and  interspersed  with  original  poetic 
snatches,  as  was  Muni's  pleasure  when  he  addressed  a  body  of 
men.  We  insert  here  some  of  these  verses.  They  breathe  the 
purpose  of  the  organization : 


*  For  the  information  regarding  the  Lodge  of  I.  O.  O.  F.,  we  are 
indebted  to  Mr.  L.  E.  Robyn,  of  Hermann,  who  communicated  with  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  St.  Louis  for  us. 

*For  volumes  of  valuable  newspapers  edited  by  Mr.  Miihl,  I  am  in 
debted  to  his  kindhearted  widow,  still  living  in  Hermann. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri,  165 

Gesang  bei  Eroffnung  des  Vereins  Freier  Manner,  clem  Verein 
gewidmet  von  E.  Miihl. 

(Mel.:  Freiheit,  die  ich  meine.) 

Reicht  die  Hand  zum  Bunde, 
Freie  Manner  euch, 
Ernst  ist  diese  Stunde, 
An  Bedeutung  reich: 
Denn  es  gilt  das  Ringen 
Nach  Freiheit  und  Licht, 
Muthig  durchzudringen, 
Dass  der  Tag  anbricht. 

Ja  wir  sind  die  Kinder 
Einer  neuen  Zeit, 
Weih'n  uns  als  Verkunder, 
(Und  das  ungescheut) 
Eines  freiern  Lebens, 
Frei  von  Glaubenswahn, 
Eines  hohern  Strebens 
Auf  der  Menschheit  Barm. 

Nicht  was  Priester  lehrten 
Gilt  uns  Gottes  Wort, 
Die  die  Welt  bethorten, 
Uebten   Geistesmord : 
Wenn  sie  blinden  Glauben, 
Der  Vernunft  zum  Hohn, 
Forderten,  und  rauben 
So  Selbstdenkens  Lohn. 

Was  einst  Weise  dachten, 
Dankbar  sei's  erkannt, 
Wenn  an's  Licht  sie  brachten, 
Was  noch  unbekannt; 
Doch  nicht  sklavisch  binden 
Moge  uns  ihr  Wort, 
Wir  selbst  miissen  finden 
Priifend  fort  und  fort. 

So  nur  sind  wir  Freie, 
Kinder  der  Vernunft, 
Unserm  Glauben  Weihe 
Giebt  nicht  Priesterzunft ; 


i66  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Unser  hochstes  Streben 
1st  nur  Sittlichkeit, 
Das  ist  gottlich  Leben, 
Wahre  Frommigkeit. 

Ja  lasst  Hass  uns  schworen 
Jeder  Tyrannei, 
Jedem  Unrecht  wehren 
Ohne  Menschenscheu. 
So,  zum  heil'gen  Bunde, 
Reicht  die  Hande  euch; 
Drum  ist  ernst  die  Stunde 
An  Bedeutung  reich."* 


The  editor  of  the  paper  says :  ,,Die  Versammlung  stimmte 
obiges  Lied  an,  mit  Unterstutzung  eines  Mannerchor,  unter  Leitung 
des  Herrn  Kerch." 

In  opening  his  address  Miihl  spoke  the  following  verses : 

,,Vorwarts !  ruft's,  wie  Klang  der  Glocken, 

In  der  Feme  liegt  das  Ziel. 

Lasst  euch  nicht  abseite  locken, 

In  dem  wirren  Weltgewiihl : 

Blickt  in  eurem  Lebenslauf, 

Nach  den  Sternen  kiilin  hinauf ! 

Alles  ringt,  sich  zu  vollenden, 
In  der  Freiheit  Sonnenschein, 
Mogt  ihr  cure  Blicke  wenden, 
Selbst  auf's  kleinste  Graselein. 
Drum  ringe  Mensch  auch  du 
Hoherer  Vollendung  zu. 

Wage  nur  in  deinem  Streben 
Stets  ein  freier  Mann  zu  sein, 
Driicke  tief  in  deinem  Leben 
Du  der  Freiheit  Bild  hinein. 
Jeder  hohere  Gewinn 
Stammt  aus  wahrem  Freiheitssinn. 


*  This  poem  and  the  following   is  taken  from  Miihl's  Hermanner  Woch- 
•cnblatt,  of  April  9,  1852. 


Weliebte,  roenn  Xu  bieie  3eilen  l 
Jann  fi8e  id^m  buntcn  veimatqi 


jiiortiman    unb    ber  Skrroittlidjung  <  beitruqen,  inbem  et  oorgiebt,  bag  er  men 
ieiner  gigantijdien  V4ilane  I  ieine  SBaare  pettaitft      Sluf  bte   bat-   untet 

;      (Jinftroeilen    tonjentnrt  SooSeoell' au*  heroorgebenben  golgen   moditenjben 
i  geuet  out    partiman'S    gtoge*  j  nnt  flan}  beionberS  auimertfam  mod).  |  finb  i 


p  ber  Often  be*    Sanbe*    b.a 
ec  $eimfud)unq  irfjroe 
Hu«  £b.orn    in    3Beit<> 
!  JRimmum    ber    le 


lei* 


«uf  unftet  »onf  roie  icben  log 
3u  Bleicqer  Stunbe.    urn    be*  Wutd 


2>ie  Ipdte  Sonne  leuditet 
Unb  iptegelt  fid)  on  grune 


bovben. 

Todi  ieit  2u  ion    id  fie  iur  ir.di 
3ur  buftern  giamme    obne  i^uvt.i  ge 

roorbcn 

Unb  in  bet  flemen  Saube    in  e*  (till. 
Sail  idieu  lag  id)  nad]    .In  b.c  Slide 

Idiroiieii 

Sir  iafcen  bort  beim  etfien  «[urjn 
lino  iest  begmnt  bie  Iroube  )d)on  ju 


!(£iienbahn  Untetnebmen.  Setter, en  gur  teine  SJaare  roirb  nunmefrr ;  2;,  ®rab  Eelfiu*  unter  ittutlflemefbet 
gibt  ubiigen*  in  :)fegierung*tuiien  ^  f  m  bebeuttnb  boberer  <Brei*  gejorb- 1  roorben  unb  in  jener  @egen'i)  finb  aud> 

|  al*    ber    anettannte    Settreter'  ber  '  ett  roerben  miiffen.  al*  fur  oetfdlfdite  j  meqrere  TOenidjenleben  bem  grimmt. 

IStatibarbOU.Uie.  Gie  ftreot  nodi  !ober  mit  anberen  Subftan^en  oer- i  gen  gtoft  jum  Opfer  gefafcn.  Bie 
^UDOr  !  n.d)t*  ®eringerem.  al*  ber  «ebetr  |  imidite  SBaore  aeforbert  roirb  tbor.  Oberlaufe  bev  gtogen  Sttome,  roie 
Siefen^  |  t^,11nn  nn»rfflAhn»rnii«unrtattnn3mit  i  'd)t  roate  berjenige.  bet  roegen  be*  |  gRgeid)fef.  Ctrer  (£lbe  unb  SBefer,  finb 


tltmfianbe  j  hobcteu -Bteife*  b.e  , 

(S»  brdngt  fid)  (omit  biegtage  auf, !  idimabx  benn  unreu 
b  Ufctere  untet  bte  SotmaBigfeit  ber 


:  SBao 


ombinotionlommenfol     erbaupt  roirb  bo»   »eje!>  .«rveh,eriid) 


e«  bet  Segierung    mdit  i 


8ei  ber  Station  le 


nbe«l)auBtftabt     SBaibmnton 
roenn  In  bieie  Seilen  deft,  j  tupr  om  Somttag  rodqrenb  be*  flebels 


babm  roirten,  bn&  bo*  lB»lblitum  t>ar:> 
erodb,nt  roirb'  nieb,r  blo«  auf  ben 
S  ionbetn  aud)  nf  bie  $ileicb,ajf. 

enftett  ber  ffloore  Su  adjten  3)et  9Je- 
ug  ift  belong  babutd)  oetiibt  roorb- 


gefroren  unb  bip  Unterlaufe  mit  [ol  = 
d)en  OTaffen  Ireibet*  geiullt,  bag  bie 
Sdnfiabrt  oodjtdnbig  (aqntgelegt  ift. 
Slud)  auf  bem  Sbein  treibt  (5i«  in  fo 
grofcen  ffliafien.  bag  bie  Sdnffbnide 
bei  ftoln  in  boqem  fflrrfbe  gefdbrbet 


en.  baft . 


fd)led)te  SBaate  ju  einem 


uiiDerbdltnUmagig    theuren     'Eretie 


I..,u,  rraBil  Tu    mid)  in  un  : 


oer!auit  b.ot      SSenn 


Dbttta 


fublen  (Garten,  betS"  Sebn(uo>t 


-,.,..„   &OQ. 

•&  tin  in  emen  Motat  ^afjfigieTiuQ  an*  3UpfeIn  fcetflefteUt,  faflen  roit  25 
rooDe,  is  <Bcrio,,er,  gttobtet  unb  uber>nt<!  bie  »anne  foftete  unb  (In  ffle- 
11.0  oetlet,  rourbn.  i  ""f*  Dra  emem  *l"ltel  ^O''1"  unt> 

(Smjgeuet  roeldie*  am  9iadimittag  ^  """  3ehntel  Duatt.  20    Kent*,    io 

SdiiifSroernebei-Jieropon-Jlero*  «a  !  funi  (Sent*  bidiget-root.  maqrenb   e* 
unb  1  au«brad).  r.ditete  einen  Sdiaben  DOU  I  rolt'        n,*^ijim  jSent*Jt)ertl 

(5in  ^euewDehrnmnn  er  |      pte   piolpcritdt  Deutf djlanbi. 


nod)  immer  an  ben  Stufter 
roie  uber  ba*  ganse  S!anb 


toblidie  ^erteBungen  unb  ber  altf 


e  ,au(manm  jd)f 


Sampler  ,3effer1on°  Don  ber  Somin  ;  E|n(,  8lan,enbe  ®efdjafWjett    jurud 


ttntfprungenc  ^udrthausler    «tnge- 

"%le  btei  9ieger,    Sam    Ifjompion 
una  ventt)  ®nmm  DOU  St  CouUunb 

Sitt),  roeldie  am  Bonner*tag  au*  bem 
Snditbaufe  Don  3efferfon  Sitt)  ent. 
fptungen  roaten,  routben  am  gteitog 
-Jfarqmmag  ju  Bunbee,  grantlin  do  , 
'Jfio  ,  roieber  etngefangen  unb  nadj 
bem  ®efdngnitie  ^urudgebtadjt 
out!  If)ompfon  bdtte  nut  nod)  U  lage 


iibjuiteen  getiabt,  ba 


ntort 


»er  et 


idiaften,  me  man  lie  le.t    3.1  3ol)ten  ;  fanb   rourbe  nabeju 

m 'Virogbr.tonn.en    n.dit  erlebt    bail      Ser  reid)fte  SKann  in  ben  »er  etao  I  Ju  Mg|(lTi 
3n(Snglanb   ipe,(ieQ    nn    nbrblidjen  |  ren  foO  otfo  bod)  md)t  ber  Stanborb   (in_  ^ 
3 he. I    muBten    mehrere    93ahnl 


3of)t 


n  ge 


tiat  er  biefe  SSegiimttflung  fr 


Del  Sodeiettei  iein   fonbern  ber  (og 

i^ _ _  rid)  Skrerrjaufet 

baV'oVr"  BaV'iDertebi "  nafteju  j  reelcqei  m  St    «oul,    TOtnn       lebt 
auiaehort      3n    be.    bugeligen  i  im  3abre 


onber 


,-.UR 


ieidje  bie  gleidien  gunftigen    Sriab- 
ungen  gemadjt      Umiragen.  bie  Don 
,    iKinn       ieoi,  j  (Q^Detftantnger  Seite  angefledt  roor- 

.     .  Shebetfoulqeun.  „,,„    [mb     4oben    8anj    unecroatte!, 

.idienTunbee    nnb  gbin   'Sbemneffen.  geboten  nt  unbim  3otire ,  BroBQrt,ge  -j;eiuitate    erbradii      lie- 
ber  Srhnee  fieOenroeiie  15  i  1852  nad)  amenta    tarn     Son    ben)^^  ro,rh  (m  ^^  ro,rtt,id)ah 
fflienrer.    3ufle    bheben  |  Seen  aiisconfm*  bi«  ^u  ben    »uften  ;  n±el  (S)ebnl)en  x»utjd)lan 
hnitrede  im  Sdinee  |  be*  StiUen  Cjean*  erfttedt,fid)  fern  |  ,lrt       Unbefanaent    ftimn 


on  qaben 


lipden       Dabei  herrtdjt  em 
iVenge  ftalie  unb  <•»  routbe 
bi'i.  -n  Ben  (eelen  '.'4   Stun 
'iMiionen  etiroten  auigefunben 
,'ludi'fui  idiroere.    UngludiiaD    .i 

rutfiumbren      ,"in  bet  9(at)e  Don  flr 
au-nuae    rorjuei  1:1 -JJerlonen  getobte 


sig|abriger_rafilojet, 
|,ftaat*tluaer",  rudjid)t*Ioier  unb 

n  :  itrupeHoiet  ?ltbeit  bai  er  bie  cnblo 
|  ien  gorfK  Of»  Worbroeften  unter  Ieine 

ift  I  oerrfdiait  gebradit      Biefet    Sroju* 


uberem   baB  ba«    beutid)e    Solt 


ieh,r 


eben 


nem  .Seitraum  jemer  gelcftn 
ijtenj  roirtb.fd)aitlid)  io  Bi 
:  roie  gcgenroatng  Sieie  1 
jcn  ioiegelb  benn  aud)  bi< 


>a*  Si)unbe*gerid)t  bat  nini  betteff* 
an  unem  9(eget    in  (Ibattanoogo 
jogenen   aqnd|morbe3    eine  ®nt> 
".'"  i  idicibuno.    nbgegeben        Bcr    9(eget 
\m       foffte  qmgcndjtel  roetben.  ber  borqfte 
°"  '  _  !  ®end)t*hoj  abei    qotte    ihm    bequf* 
'Jiadipruiung  be*  -BrojeffeS  cmen  «uf- 
Irqub  g   ^at)tt  unb  ihn  rDa[;rcnb    bei- 
ielbtn  ber  Obhut  be*  3b,enri*  anoet- 
X)et  sDiob  et.iroang    I'd) 


JULIUS  MOEBUS,     Agent. 

Hermann,    -     -    Mo. 


1  am  Sonntag  bie  55  3aqte  alte 
au  be<  tottotl  l£.  Hbam«  Don  ei. 
n  ^erjidjlag  bttcoffen  tobt  111  80- 
i. 

-Bus  iSram  meil  feine  Srou  Ieit 
igen  JWonaten  gettennl  Don  iqm 
te.  pergiftete  fid)  in  St.  RouU  ber 
3oqre  olte  3d>lad)tet  fe'O  grant 

mit  (Earbolfaure. 
— 3n  poplar  SBluR,  SButlet  Sountq. 

routbe   am  3am*tag    rodqrenb  eine* 


Umen    Ontel    at* 


ang  ,um  Qtefangni*  unb  Donate  ben  Strohenfoinefe*  3ob"  SWrSan  DO 
^obngqenaulterldiofitn.  Ber  SWor 
bet  erb,iell  ebenfaU  eine 


i  Pai  5*icff  al  oor  mdnnl.ef|en  inj 


uthet  an  be.  fiuftei' 
rter  Stdrte  fort  anb ! ' 
rroditlidjen  Sdjaben  ' 


-3n  einem  flnfad   t 
erben  |  omilllt  om  BonnetStag 
'  3abr, 


rt)m    aui1 


lame    «amen« : 


d)ungen  ber 
«f,i  ,,«ma  SRoru- 
n  Don  9ieb 

•Po 


5ma  SI  [mo  be  'liarnbeba  fennen    an, 
gebhd)  bie  loditer  cine*  Wraien  unb 
_      ftoniul*auJ    iKio  be  3aneiro      «olb 

3U[   iitbrct   nadi    SHre«lau    jntudgetch"  j 
Oje   roar   lolgte  feme  "Srnut  am /H    CTto  | 
n"non  ber  i  b"  "a4l  uni)  mietbete  jitl)  hier 


3I  JH.  lle  B««J,e 
au,-t  grbman  Iafl  auj  el 
um  Bon  oem  !,ftbei(|crufene 


inn  Wlaube 

I      ,.^d)    glaube    nn    re.nei    SBafie 
!  iriidie  Siujt  unb  an  ffidjigteit  in  otte 

Xingen.  3d)   gebraud»e    !ebt    roem 
|  Webijin      3d)  ratb.e  memanb  Meb 

jm  ju    gebtaudien,    roenn    e«    nid)t 


notiiroenbif, 


•  ®egenb  bie.  ift 


Ter  -JBraiibent  n't  ent  |       _    _ 

tdiipficn      emcn      SJerfcbt*  SarteO.  , ,.',',',  Vru'bn  Don  il)nii|l  in  einer  freil- 
,,n-!d,c*  in  aero.fier  »i,,ft*i    gtSfecre  I  onftolt  imermr, 

Dfaditbei'iflnifir  auSuben   rourbe,  ol*;  -  .  — 

U-Ibit  bir  *unbt«regierung.    (Smbalt  Hal)runci5m:ttoU3t(r^ 

V.  ,Kbu-rcn      TO  1 1    umiomfbr    3nte.  j 

reiie  lu'lit  mnii  bet  Unteriudiung  ent- j     TaB  Wtiebgcgen  ^erialidiung  Don 

a/qon    rocldif    bie  ;innid)enjiaatlid)c  i  «atirung»mitteln.  ba*  nad)  Weuiabr 

iianbel*  fommiii.on  am  4    3anua.  in  •  in  flrajt    tntt,   bictet   eine  fflorontie 

3iero  ?)orT  begmntn    icirb,    um    ber  j  geaen    abiolut    8eiunbrjeitafd)tib 


Varnman'idien    Wieien-ftomWnotio 
out  ben  Wtunb  »u  gct,en 

\Hlc  bic  ^ortbetn  ©ecuntie*  C£ 
ouiaeloft  teurbe.  roar  ^omei  3  fein 
ber  Gnenbabnfomg  be«  «orbroeflen 
naturlidi  erbittert  au(  SloofeDelt 
Turdi  S?«tnittliinB  e.ne«  Sabmcti 
mitgliebe*  rourbcn  Seibi-  einanbe 
,,nienjd)Ud)  naber  gebtad)t  "  3e 


vi  i; 


an    betampil 


ertukfoon  Jiooifuelt    Ftebt  ,,ni.fdie. 


iubjtanjen,  aber  Detbiitat  nid)l  bie 
SHemh,eit  ber  SBaore  'Ca*  'Bublitum 
ift  lebod)  oor  Ueberoortbeilung.  ge- 
irl)u6t  «uf  bcr  ffititette,  mit  roeldjer 
iebe  giafdie,  Sudije  u  f  ro.  »erfeb,en 
roerben  muB.  ftel)t  genau  angegeben, 
mat  barm  entljalten  ift  2Benn  apjel- 
®elee  jur  polite  au*  *epie!n  unb  jur 
anberen  jjolite  ou*  Wlutofe  ober  «u= 
ben  beftefjt.  io  if  I  ba*  an(  bergtiferte 
lu  lejen  ttr  $ianb(er  ober  Sabrif 
ant  tann  ba*  ^ublitum  md)t  meb.r 


Tie  Untcrjudiung  bc^aderbau 
partement*  be*  2Bb,i3fen  •-  (Beicftdft* 
unter  ben;  neuen  lJ!«brung«mittelge 
ieee.mageineganjIidieUmroanblun,} 
bieie*  fflcid)ait«jroeige»  nadi  net)  jie 
l)cn  Tie  «eborbe  gebt  oor  ber  Sin- 
iidit  au*,  bag  ber  aHergroete  Ib,ei( 
b«*  in  benfeanbelgelangenbenSBb,!* 
tei)  ,,Derjd)nitten"  ill  Serbleibt  ber 


Sffretar    bei 


bjidit.    bail 


ntlidjer  nidjt  gan.j    reiner  2l'hi*' 
,,3mitation    SBhi*''')"    gemottt 
>en  mug,  fo  mag  ber    gall    balb 
bie  Wendite    befcqaftigen      g*  ban- 
id)  bietbei  um  DtiQionen  Bollat* 
fi'apital. 

,ut|*Ianb  irrTSarm  bes  IDintets 
^urrqtbare  8alte  Ijerrfdit 
luen  be*  Beutid)en   ;Heidje 


12— 118  So  $onne  Spe     Sbicago, 


WouDerneur^olt    roeigert    fid)   in 


roeldier  roegen  TOorbeS  leiner  Allege 


am    10. 
I  ge^dngt 


gnabigung 


utbe  bem  SouDerneur  ba«   Qtefuri, 
fteat  ben  Setuttbeilten  nad)  Suflon 
fd)iden,  bamit  et  bott   anf   feinen 
geifftgen  3«ftanb  l)in  untetfudjt  roetb- 
en  tonne,  attem  ®onD     Joff   raodte 
Ud)  nidjteinmifdjen.     5«    toirb   alio 
.     .  .    „     „  Dom  Qountq   Sqeriff  Iner 
'  |  unb  ber  6ountt)^3urq   abbdngen   ob 
n  ;  ber  (Sefnngene  om  10.  Januar  b,ang. 
,   !  en  roirb  ober  nidlt 


;bert  Caoibjon 
ieinet  ffoftroittqin,  6er  27  3ab,it   ol 
gt.eba   SSe.gel  eine  SdiuBrounbe 
unberid;oB|id)bannfelbit. 


gefuqtt  unb  jajei  3ud)tt)au*ler  begna* 
bigl,  ndmlid)  Sb,a*  iDiofer  unb  9io- 
bert  it-ailen,  bie  beiben  (dngften  im 
jjuditbaufe  geroeienen  3itd)tlmge  mn 


ber  iein  grogei  Vout  in  ber  Olioe 
€-:raf,e  In  if  anlaS  liiti)  gonj  aOeln 
fcerooqnte.  ift  ermorbel  roorben.  But. 
fanning,  ber  junge  Keffe  bei  alien 
BfanneJ,  melbete  am  Sonntaa  bei 
Solijel.  bob 

Ueidge  im  £>aufe  auf   bem 
liegenb  aufgefunben  babe. 

— £eeten  BonnetStag  Slbenb  rout- 
be  ber  einer  bcfannlen  gamilie  ong;. 
borenbe  abragam  (i.  $ottn  ouf  bit 

eniem  ftnuael  erfdilagen  ia  haben 
in  ba*  ©efdngntb  Don  Sbnfli- 
na  &ountq  gebradii.  grau  porter 
DoUte  fid)  Idieiben  lafien  unb  roegen 


tE)Um«  tarn  e*'  jam  Stun  mil  obigem 


(Btofee 


plant 


ttr  Eqitagoer  lpanbeI«Detban 
plant  bie  «bbaltung  einet  'fldrtbau 
9lu8ftenung  in  tfliitago.  bie  ode*  bi* 
ber  aui  bieiem  t^ebiet  bagetoelene  i 
ben  Sdjatten  fteflen  foil  SKit  be 


6nbe  Cttober    beg 


toirb.    foO 


gleid)jeitin    em    oro&e«    nationale* 

Setorb:  Srnte   Sefl  Derbnnben  roerben      Sin 

-3n  (irnftal  Sitq.  Seffetfon  Soun.    ftrefutiD.ffom.te  Don  ffiqicagoei  ^>an 
I  rourbe  ber    £n[j«fd)etiff    3etl  So-    bel*leuien  i|ai  fid)  bereit*  mil  ben  in 


roarbft  Don  3?ape    SRorgon.    ben    er 

gen  sbetiuntenben  unb    iHubeilbr-. 

ung    oerqajteu    rooHte.      erfd)offen. 

Morgan  rourbe    butch    einen    SdjuQ 


ebenfaOt  i 
Haft 


unbet  unb  befinbet  fid) 


l  ^Rational  Sant  Don  ftanin* 
Sitq.  b,at  hdj  im  Rriminalgeridit 
diubia  bctonnt,  S9000  Don  ben  ®el- 

bet  93anf  unterfd)Iagen  ju  b3 
ben.  let  SRidjtet  oeructqeilte  Iqn 


lierauf  ^ 


r  3ab.ren  3u 
©irarbeau 


geftorben.     ffir    tarn 


Dbetteqcer  ber  bortigen  haemal  Vrb 
rcridjule,  ioboji  ec  men  unb  been  In 
3eqrtteiicn  Dhlloun'*  Ccfannte  unb 
greuabe  jaqlte 

—Bet      Srujaqc«erapfana     beim 
ouoerneur  Jolt  toirb    bielmal   erft 


ittfinben, 


egiSlatur  am  2.  3anuar  jufammen* 
:at.  Sinlabungen  finb  nur  filr  bie 
ff  jiete  ber  s}2ationa[gatbe  unb  be8* 

Stabet  bc»  (8ouoemeart  ttaanaen. 
bee  bai  -Hublitum  im  affgemeintn 

ft  lelbftoetftdnblid)  einaelaben. 
—Ber  sojogriae  Igoraal  ganninn, 

tin  teidjer    @mnbe!gentqumbef<»cr, 


Sijicago  munbenben  Sabnen  in  Ser 
binbuim  gefeBt.  um  roenn  moglieq  iur 
bie  Hudi'ieller  Spejiol  .  Saten  ju  er, 
(angenunbCic  Sannen  b,aben  fid) 


aud)  fdion  1 
fteUern  Don  ®ct 


:  et( 


alien    flue- 
be,  SBieb,  et<  ,  iebr 


mebtige  Siaten  ju  gcrodb,ten.  ooraue; 
oefeBt.  bah  lie  nu*fleaung  einen  na 
tionalen  liqaralter  ttagen  roirb 

S  1  el.ltT  "fTrq     t  a  b  I 

9!  era   "!)  o  r  t.  31    3>ej^    Sin  be- 

ttunfener  3Butb,end)    97amen«  3obn 

O'Mourte  jog  am  Sieibnad)t«tage   in 

(finer  ffiobnung  einen  MeBoloet  unb 

teuerte  brei  Sdiune  ouf  feme   ISattin 

ab      Gie  erbielt  btei   ©tretfrounben, 

fiel  w  SBoben   unb    fteate    fid)    tobt. 

Sine  b,a(be  etunbe   long   beobaditete 

fie  bet  miirbenidie  fflatte,  bamt    Idjofe 

er  i,d)  ielbft  erne  ft'ugel  »n  ben   »opf. 

bie  feinen  augenblidlid)en    lob    tier 

beifiibrte.    ^roei  Stunben    long   lag 

grau    beroegung«lo«    neben    ber 

4!eid)e  be*  ffianne*,  eqe    fie    IBagte. 

aufjufteb,en  unb  au*   bem    $aufe   ju 

flieb,en,  um  ^iilfe    ju    fudjen.     ©ie 

b  roieber  IjergefteHt  roerben 

o  r  etroa  fed)*  lltonatcn    gab'* 

Biiffouri     roieber    fianfat    CEitn 

Star  mittqeilt  nur  iunt 

line  Sdianflofalc  .peute  obet  finb'l 

ibrer     bereit* 


nbbrergia    ma 


an  bem  8eb.eimex  Sufft  frubKt. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  167 

Und  so  griiss'  in  solchem  Glauben 
Ich  Euch,  ,,Freie  Manner"  heut. 
Lasset  ihn  durch  nichts  Euch  rauben, 
Wirket  f  iir  ihn  ungescheut ! 
Ja,  dann  wird  unser  Verein 
Mehr  als  blosser  Name  sein. 

The  newspaper  continues  thus : 

,,Der  Redner  fasste  nun  den  Namen  dieses  Vereins  und  gab  eine 
Darlegung  des  Begriffes,  den  man  nothwendig  mit  einem  ,,freien 
Manne"  zu  verbinden  habe.  Ein  freier  Mann  (ward  nun  ange- 
geben)  : 

Verwerfe  alien  und  jeden  blinden  Glauben.  Er  bekenne  off  en 
und  ungescheut  seine  gewonnenen  Ansichten  und  Grundsatze.  An 
dem  was  eine  Zeit  bewegt,  in  der  Nahe,  wie  in  der  Feme,  nimmt 
er  den  thatigsten  Antheil,  indem  er  mit  aller  ihm  gegebenen  Kraft 
in  die  Angelegenheiten  einzugreifen  und  nie  nach  den  Grundsatzen 
der  Aufklarung  und  Freiheit,  zu  gestalten  ringet." 

In  closing,  the  speaker  said : 

,,Der  Dienst  der  Freiheit  ist  ein  strenger  Dienst. 

Er  bringt  nicht  Gold,  nicht  allgemeine  Gunst, 

Er  bringt  Verleugnung  stets,  viel  Kampfe,  ja  oft  selbst  den  Tod. 

Und  doch  ist  dieser  Dienst  ein  hehrer  Dienst: 

Wer  sich  mit  ganzer  Treue  ihm  ergeben, 

Den  fuhrt  er  siegreich  in  ein  heil'ges  Leben." 

Before  adjournment,  the  society  sang  Miihl's  verse : 

,,Kampf  sei  unser  Losungswort, 
Fur  das  Wahre,  Edle,  Gute; 
Und  der  Freiheit,  unserm  Hort, 
Dienen  wir  mit  Manner  Muthe. 
Freie  Manner  wahr  und  treu, 
Ewig  unser  Wahlspruch  sei." 

At  its  very  beginning  the  Verein  had  51  names  on  its  mem 
bership  list.  The  purpose  of  the  organization,  as  can  be  inferred 
from  the  aforesaid,  was  to  stimulate  independence  of  thought,  to 
encourage  fearless  investigation,  to  hold  up  as  beacon  lights 
liberty,  truth  and  justice ;  to  teach  right  living  by  precept  and  ex 
ample.  It  must  be  lamented  that  this  commendable  body  could 
not  long  exist.  Its  life-force  was  centered  in  its  founder,  Eduard 


1 68  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

Miihl.  When,  on  July  7,  1854,  this  singularly  endowed  man 
passed  over  into  another  world,  there  was  no  one  upon  whom  the 
mantle  of  this  leader  of  men  should  fall,  and  soon  the  society  dis 
banded.  Freidrich  Munch,  a  strong  advocate  of  such  movements, 
and  who  had  supported  Miihl  in  his  endeavors,  was  too  far  re 
moved  to  hold  intact  the  society. 

Muni's  last  words  teem  with  the  thought  predominant  in 
him  throughout  his  whole  eventful  life : 

,,Der  Freiheit  war  mem  gauzes  Leben  geweiht,  und  ich  sterbe 
als  freier  Mann.  Ich  habe  meine  Schuldigkeit  zu  thun  gesucht, 
thut  Ihr  die  Eurige;  und  mochtet  Ihr  die  Freiheit  voller  und 
schoner  bliihen  sehen,  als  mir  leider  vergonnt  war!"* 

His  tomb  at  Hermann  bears  this  inscription :  "Eduard 
Miihl,  Geboren  den  4ten  August  1800,  Gestorben  den  7ten 
Juli  1854.  Mit-  und  Nachwelt!  Ehre  den  muthigen  Streiter 
fiir  Wahrheit  und  Menschenrecht!'' 

He  strove  not  only  for  mental  freedom,  but  unceasingly  ad 
vocated  the  emancipation  of  the  slaves.  He  was  the  man  who 
possessed  the  intrepidity  to  openly  denounce  the  practice  of 
slavery,  notwithstanding  the  summary  vengeance  that  had  been 
heaped  upon  other  self-appointed  opponents  of  the  practice.  His 
love  for  the  sweets  of  liberty  was  too  strong  to  be  hushed  by 
threats.  From  the  fullness  of  his  heart  he  spoke,  always  fear 
lessly,  but  without  bitterness  and  without  malice.  Alas,  that  it  was 
not  permitted  him  to  hear  the  shouts  of  freedom  that  went  up  ten 
years  after  his  death !  Alas,  that  he  could  not  live  to  participate 
in  the  meeting  of  his  grateful  fellow-townsmen  when  they  assem 
bled  to  carry  out  this  resolution  of  the  trustees  of  the  town, 
passed  January  12,  1865:  "To  call  a  citizens'  meeting  to  take 
place  on  the  i3th  inst.,  for  the  purpose  of  making  the  necessary 
preparations  for  a  worthy  and  general  celebration  of  the  deliver 
ance  of  Missouri  from  the  yoke  of  slavery." 


"Dent.  Am.  Konversations  Lexikon,  Vol.  VII.,  p.  581. 


<8ro§es  Konjcrt 


—  oeranftattet  oom  — 


—  unter  Settung  uon 
prof.  Crnft 

—  am  — 

,  beit  26.  Somber,  1906 

—  in  ber  — 

Conzert  Halle. 

^rograntm- 
i  .    .£)od)3ett§mar)c£)  ....................  .....  oon  SRenbelfobn. 

(3lreid>Crd)efter.  ) 

2.     Sd)on  ftotfytraut  ........................  .....  oon  $.  fteit. 


3.  Sorbeer  unbffiofe,  $8oca(*£uet  ..................  oori  ©veil. 

(^-rcuhetn  @,  2eisncr  unb  2.  Od)§iter  ) 

4.  ©riiBe  an  Me  £>etmatf)  .............  .  .........  oon  ^romer. 

(.£>armontc  ($cmifci)ter  Sfyor.) 

5.  .pocfi  ber  28ein,  Xrio  fitr  3  SSJJdnnerffimmen  ......  toon  ^unfee. 

Tic  .S^errcst  S.  KtmmclVI.  ^aegeltn  'Stieo.  ©raf. 

6.  Xie  "$o[t  im  SBalbe  ..........................  t»on  ©rfjdfer. 

[.Oormciiic  V>(opucrdioc,  (So  met  Solo  £)err  v\-    Acuue.  ) 

7.  ,3e(ectton  au^"  9Jia§cot  .....................  Bon  SInbrau. 


|>  a  u  f  c. 

8.     £ua:e$ta  Borgia  ...........................  uon  Xoni^etti. 

(etretd>€rci)iiitcr.) 

6.     x>eba,  2Sein  .'per!  ............................  tion  Qottmic. 

(AJ.irmonic  «  VJi'duncrdior  ) 

10.  Sin  muufalifrfjer  ^affeetlatfd)  .................  uon  <3tf)tiffei. 

(?5ic  grnul.  Jnaiuta  ©raf  u  fllartlia  . 

11.  ,^aaabe",  3>'ie  3 


12.  aKaitieb   .......  .......................  son  9ftenbetfof)n. 

(©emitter  &f)or.) 

13.  0  8d)dner  23alb  ......  ____  •  ............   fcon  ©ngetsttrcfyen. 

(-VSarmome  "J.Uduncrdior  ) 

u.     Violin  .Solo  6.  ?lria  mtb  Variation  3)anf[a. 

[^rof    (?ni|t  ^uDbemeier  ] 

15      @me  gemifcfjte  ©efettfcfjaft,  tomifdje  Scene  fur  "5  $  erfonen  .  . 

oon  <3imon. 

$rtut>rccrf<3burui)c  ..........  .  ..................    .  .  .£>err  t£,  Jf.  JRtppftem 

Gathfe   ......  ..............  ....................    £>err  5B.    'JJiunbiotUer- 

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16.     ,,On  to  s$anama  9}2arf(f)."  ........  ..........  .oon  Slrmftrong. 

(&rrcid)'Otxlicfter  ) 


Undi  ^cni   Kon.^cri  fin^et  citi  ^an^ftran^cn  ftatt 


CONCERT   PROGRAM. 


And  its  Colony,  Hermann,  Missouri.  169 

Miihl  was  the  man  who  set  up  the  first  German  printing  press 
on  the  Missouri.  In  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  he  had  established  a  paper, 
which  he  most  fittingly  termed  Licht-Freund.  It  was  fitting 
because  of  the  principles  which  the  paper  defended.  It  was  the 
organ  of  a  "Freisinniges  Deutschtum,"  which  sought  to  stand  on 
the  lofty  heights  of  truth,  leaving  all  superstition  far  below.  In 
the  summer  of  1843,  Miihl  wandered  towards  the  West,  taking 
his  printing  press  with  him.  He  longed  for  a  home  close  to  the 
bosom  of  unpolluted  nature  for  a  quiet  spot  where  he  might  better 
hear  the  promptings  of  his  real  self  within.  At  Hermann  he  con 
tinued  publishing  his  paper.  His  brother-in-law,  Strehly,  co 
operated  with  him  in  this  work.  On  the  23d  of  August,  1843, 
the  first  number  appeared  in  Hermann.  It  was  the  fourth  volume 
of  the  publication,  three  volumes  having  been  issued  at  Cincin 
nati.  The  mottoes  which  prefaced  the  first  page  were  these : 

,,Priifet  aber  Alles,  und  das  Gute  behaltet."    i  Thess.  5:21.* 
,,Welche  Religion  ich  bekenne?     Keine  von  alien,  die  Du  mir 

nennst.  —  Und  warum  keine?  —  Aus  Religion."  --  Schiller. 

,,Es  giebt  unempfangliche  Zeiten,  was  aber  ewig  ist  findet  im- 

mcr  seine  Zeit." 

Through  this  paper  Miihl  hoped  to  disseminate  the  light  of 
truth  among  his  countrymen.  But,  alas,  only  a  few  could,  or 
did,  appreciate  his  efforts.  The  strenuous  struggle  for  an  exist 
ence  absorbed  them  more  than  philosophical  discourse.  In  con 
sequence,  the  publication  became  unprofitable.  The  country  was 
yet  too  young  to  find  time  or  pleasure  in  such  heavy  discussions. 
In  1845,  *ne  same  editors  abandoned  the  Licht-Freund  and  in 
its  stead  issued  the  Herrnanner  Wochenblatt,  which  preserved 
but  few  of  the  characteristics  of  the  old  paper,  being  a  carrier  of 
news  in  the  general  sense.  This  paper  has  survived,  under  vary 
ing  fortunes  and  is  now  published  under  the  new  name  of  Her- 
manner  Volksblatt.  Sporadic  attempts  have  been  made  to  launch 


*  In  the  first  number  of  the  ''Licht-Freund,"  issue'd  at  Hermann,  an 
error  exists  in  the  citation  of  the  Bible  reference,  I  Corinthians  being 
printed  instead  of  i  Thessalonians  as  it  later  correctly  appeared. 


170  The  German  Settlement  Society  of  Philadelphia 

other  publications  at  Hermann.  Such  undertakings  were  al 
ways  short-lived.  An  English  paper  has  existed  at  Hermann 
for  some  time,  under  the  title  of  Advertiser-Courier.  It  is  un 
der  the  same  management  as  the  Volksblatt,  namely,  the  Graf 
Brothers. 

Other  demonstrations  of  literary  activity  since  the  death  of 
Miihl  are  not  worth  consideration  here. 


AMERICANA    GERMANICA 

NEW    SERIES 
MONOGRAPHS   DEVOTED   TO   THE   COMPARATIVE   STUDY   OF   THE 

Literary,  Linguistic  and  Other  Cultural  Relations  of 
Germany  and  America 


EDITOR 
MARION  DEXTER  LEARNED 

University  of  Pennsylvania 


CONTRIBUTING  EDITORS 

H.  C.  G.  BRANDT  JULIUS  GOEBEL 

W.  H.  CARPENTER  J.  T.  HATFIELD 

W.  H.  CARRUTH  W.  T.  HEWETT 

HERMANN  COLLITZ  A.  R.  HOHLFELD 

STARR  W.  CUTTING  HUGO  K.  SCHILLING 

DANIEL  K.  DODGE  H.  SCHMIDT-WARTENBERG 

A.  B.  FAUST  HERMANN  SCHOENFELD 

KUNO  FRANCKE  CALVIN  THOMAS 

ADOLPH  GERBER  H.  S.  WHITE 
HENRY  WOOD 


PHILADELPHIA 

AMERICANA  GERMANICA  PRESS 

Berlin  New  York  Leipzig 

MAYER  &  MULLER  CARL  A.  STERN  F.  A.  BROCKHAUS 

London  Paris 

KEG  AN,  PAUL,  TRENCH,  TRUBNER  &  CO.,  Ltd.          H.  Le  SOUDIER 


382479 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


